Apple’s latest flagship models, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, have been met with an increasing number of complaints regarding touchscreen responsiveness. Users are reporting that the devices occasionally fail to register certain touches and swipes, leading to frustration. The issue, believed to be software-related rather than hardware-based, is expected to be resolved in a future update.
Users of the iPhone 16 Pro have noted intermittent problems with the screen’s responsiveness. This issue arises during actions such as typing on the virtual keyboard, swiping between apps, or tapping on-screen buttons. At times, the screen becomes unresponsive, hindering the overall functionality of the device.
All Screen Edges Affected
Reports indicate that the touchscreen problem affects all four edges of the display equally. Some users have highlighted issues particularly when their fingers are near the right-hand side, close to the Camera Control. However, inadvertent touches on other parts of the screen can also trigger the issue.
The root cause seems to be related to iOS’s accidental touch rejection algorithm, which may be overly sensitive. While designed to prevent unintentional touches, the algorithm appears to be rejecting deliberate touches as well. This causes the device to ignore new touch inputs for a brief period, leading to missed taps and swipes.
Thin Bezels Aggravate the Issue
The iPhone 16 Pro’s slim bezels are believed to exacerbate the issue. The thinner design makes it easier for users to accidentally touch the edges of the screen, which in turn triggers the touch rejection algorithm. Users who opt to use the phone without a case report experiencing the problem more frequently, as their fingers naturally come into contact with the narrow bezels. Using a protective case may help alleviate some of the sensitivity around the screen’s edges.
Software Update Expected
These touchscreen problems have been reported on both iOS 18 and the iOS 18.1 beta version. The issue only occurs when the phone is unlocked and in use. Since the problem appears to be software-related, it is anticipated that Apple will address it in a future software update. Users are hopeful that the upcoming fix will restore the touchscreen’s full functionality and responsiveness.