Why is Face ID failing after updating to iOS 18.3.1?

Dawg, I appreciate your thought process and sharing your opinion with the community. I'm not sure if you are part of the industry but The iPhone's software, known as iOS, acts like a conductor in an orchestra. It tells all the parts of your phone—the screen, the camera, the speakers, etc.—how and when to do their jobs. When you tap on an app, iOS tells the phone's hardware to open it. If the software works perfectly, everything runs smoothly. However, if the software has a glitch or problem, it can confuse the hardware. Imagine the conductor giving wrong instructions—this can cause parts of the phone to freeze, not respond correctly, or even stop working altogether. In some cases, if the glitch is serious, it might prevent the phone from working again until the software is fixed or a part is replaced.

I definitively cannot. I referenced "of all the things that can affect an update" like jailbroken phones, phones not purchased from Apple, internet connectivity issues while updating, etc. You referenced "so many" having this issue but realistically a handful so far out of millions of iPhones statistically does support an "Update" issue.

My intention, as a user like you, is to not argue the point but to share my experience with Apple products so as to shed light on the discussion. Of all the iPhones, iPods, iPads, iMacs, MacBooks, Air Pods, etc., I have owned and still own, I have experienced a relatively low number of issues that can be attributed to "Updates".

The diagnosis will probably be the same as they use the same diagnostic tool/software. I would suggest contacting your agency like in the U.S. (BBB.org) to file a written complaint or reach out to the local news channel or journalists. They don't appear to want to admit to more issues at this point. Therefore, a real solution will be on our unity and the matters that we use to bring awareness. Otherwise, we will be stuck with non-functional equipment.

Same issue here. Did the steps metioned and it cleared it but only for it to come back a few mins later. It seems like just a restart will clear the problem temporarily but not solve it.

FYI, I was on 18.2.1 when it started

Same problem here. Upgraded my 12 Pro Max to 18.3.1 and the Face ID fails.

Rebooted, no fix

Disabled stolen device protection, was able to turn off Face ID. But would not let me turn it back on.

Rebooted several times since. All the Face ID options are greyed out.

Does Apple test the basic functions of their software before releasing? I hate these forced releases with bugs.

I assume they have testing teams running automated scripts that simulate all devices' functionalities with a lookback perhaps of five (5) devices. Issues could happen with any software update, however, it should not happen to this magnitude. At least, I know based on the comments that Apple is not attacking specific devices to upsale customers.

I just purchased my iPhone 16 this past Tuesday. Initially the Face ID worked, but then the software updated. Now it does not recognize my face. I chatted with Apple, they had me reset a bunch of things. Face ID still doesn't work.

MJB 5373 wrote:

update - got me an alternative iPhone 11 - same issue as my original 11, that had ‘NO’ issues before 18.3.1 come on Apple - trillion dollar org?

I recall a similar widespread issue that happened about 17 - 20 years ago. Multiple users were having common problems after an iOS update. It took awhile but it turned it had nothing to do with the iOS update. The common denominator was an outdated third party HP printer driver.

To those having a problem after an iSO update put your collective heads together and maybe you too can help Apple solve the issue a little faster.

Iphone 13 Pro Max, updated to IOS 8.3.1 and afterwards mi face Id not recognise my face , I reset the face Id but alls continue failing , my method pay failing now I must to dial my password when I am paying in presence of anybody

I understand that this may be tough to grasp, but I will try.

If the following happens in order, tell me if the customer is at fault:

1. iPhone works perfectly (Face ID works)
2. iPhone updates to 18.3.1
3. Immediately following step 2, iPhone FaceID no longer works (i.e. unlock won't happen, apps won't open etc)

I know this is technical and you may need to use chatgpt to ELI5...but, that is where we are with this update and my phone.

I'll even summarize it again in caveman language:

1. phone work
2. phone update
3. phone no work

In this case, I don't think the user should be at fault and have to pay $165 for a faceid hardware replacement. But, you know...what do I know, I've only had an iPhone since like the third one...and I've only worked in tech for...16+ years...have built PCs...did Computer Science in college...I'm sure you're right "hardware problems requiring hardware solutions (even if it's not the fault of the user, but a software upgrade) and probably just my fault". I'm sure it can't possibly be that certain hardware specs were not tested as part of this new update. I'm sure.

amanbansil wrote:

1. I understand that this may be tough to grasp, but I will try.

If the following happens in order, tell me if the customer is at fault:

iPhone works perfectly (Face ID works)

2. iPhone updates to 18.3.1

3. Immediately following step 2, iPhone FaceID no longer works (i.e. unlock won't happen, apps won't open etc)

Post hoc ergo propter hoc.

I understand you may need to use outside sources to understand this logical fallacy.

My wife has the same issue on her iPhone 13, have tried all resets etc. am reaching out to Apple support. With the hope that they can give us some answers. In the mean time, I won’t be updating my iPhone.

My phone is brand new, purchased almost two weeks ago.

I take extremely good care of it, never dropped it, put a protective case and protective screen on it. Apple support asked me to remove both as they might interfere with the TrueDepth camera. Had no effect. I really do hope the next update will fix this.

It still is under Apple Warranty but since it’s a common issue that came up after iOS 18.3.1, it’s really hard to believe it’s a hardware problem, especially on a phone that I got out of the box a week ago, and taking care of it almost obsessively.