I have written about smartphones long enough to know not to jump to rookie conclusions. New devices and major updates often behave unexpectedly at first. That's fine. Most quirks get ironed out by a software patch. But when a pricey new flagship arrives loaded with problems from day one, that's a red flag. It makes me wonder if the iPhone 18 Pro was neglected because Apple was too busy obsessing over the iPhone Duo.
Problems abound
Many iPhone 18 Pro owners have noticed discoloration around the camera. | Image by u/Low_Midnight_2601
Then came complaints of green or pink lines on the display from a small number of owners, but the legitimacy of the report has been questioned.
Other iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max users have noticed a strange crackling sound from the speaker. Some customers who replaced their units found the same problem on new units.
The color around the camera rings seems to be fading on someiPhone 18 Prounits. While Apple has offered replacement units, most customers will have to wait until mid-October due to low inventory.
Having this same issue with the black 18 pro and I just opened the package like an hour ago.
Plus-Programmer471, Reddit user, September 2026
Questionable choices
While discoloration or connectivity failures are probably isolated issues affecting the early batches, that's not the only reason the iPhone 18 Pro is drawing criticism.
The higher-memory variants use a slower memory. | Image by Ice Universe
The 1TB and 2TB models reportedly use the slower, higher-latency Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND instead of the Triple-Level Cell (TLC) flash memory found in lower-capacity configurations. QLC is cheaper, but reading and writing data takes longer. It also has a shorter lifespan than TLC.
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While Apple's storage controller and caching mask these weaknesses during daily tasks, power users shooting long ProRes or 4K videos and moving huge files may notice slowdowns or crashes.
The Face ID system on the iPhone 18 Pro is weaker. | Image by Apple
Apple shrunk the notch on the iPhone 18 Pro by integrating the Face ID system's flood illuminator beneath the screen. That required the creation of gaps between the pixels to leave space for the infrared light to pass through the screen.
The smaller notch has a downside. | Image by @its_shevi
As a result, the pixel density over the Face ID module was reduced by half, but Apple increased the brightness of the section to prevent dimness.
The implementation isn't flawless. Those who notice every little detail complain that the pixels around that area are visible, and they find it distracting.
This design choice also means that it's best to avoid matte screen covers and privacy films. Otherwise, due to the lower efficiency of the infrared flood illuminator, Face ID will fail repeatedly.
Many early adopters aren't happy. | Image by @RaoSumukh
Customers have also reported problems with UI smoothness, camera preview, and Face ID failure, though the latter has been fixed.
This Glitch Can FULLY CRASH the new iPhone 18 Pro
New iOS glitch has been discovered which can make the iPhone completely UNRESPONSIVE and mess up the entire UI. Apple NEEDS to take action immediately and push a HOTFIX update ASAP.
My working theory is simple. Apple was probably so focused on getting the iPhone Duo right that it was less stringent with iPhone 18 Pro quality control. It almost feels like the company anticipated the backlash.
Did Apple have something to hide? | Image by Mark Gurman
This explains why Apple ostensibly invited influencers to its events who were expected to only sing praises and not ask Apple execs about their choices. In return, they apparently got free devices and an all-expenses-paid trip.
Still top-tier, but...
To be fair, software kinks will be ironed out, and hardware flaws ultimately impact a small percentage of total buyers. Besides, Apple has taken full responsibility by offering to replace defective devices.
Beyond the early stumbles, the iPhone 18 Pro is a solid device with excellent camera controls, long battery life and high sustained performance.
Still, I can't remember the last time this many complaints stacked up against a new iPhone. Here's hoping Apple will pay more attention next year.
Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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