Screen issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max after iOS 26 update

Before updating to iOS 26 on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, I'm concerned about potential screen problems. The previous update caused my screen to turn white unexpectedly, and I want to avoid a repeat.


Has anyone else experienced screen issues (white screen, flickering, etc.) after installing iOS 26 on the iPhone 13 Pro Max?


Any advice or feedback would be appreciated before I proceed with the update.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iOS 26 – Is anyone experiencing screen issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max?

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 9:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 1:27 PM

Yeah man, I’ve had iPhones since the 3G, and I’ve gotta say that this update has put me off ever going forward with a new version right away. This has not exactly bricked my phone, but iOS 26 has definitely ruined it to the point of making it unusable. My cameras no longer work, my frame rate has dropped to about 10fps, and apps are constantly crashing - ones like “messages” and “settings”. This is absolutely the worst update they’ve had; not to mention my Apple TV and iPad are also now bugging out. On my phone, it now says that I don’t have Apple genuine parts installed, even though my phone has never been repaired and worked absolutely fine in iOS 18. I’m not the only person reporting errors with this update, and even after waiting for the 26.1 update my issues not only persist, but are noticeably worse. On the phone with Apple support and after escalation they let me know that it’s a problem they’re aware of with my model - 13 Pro Max - and that there’s nothing they can do but wait for another software update. So, now, I get to upgrade to a 17 Pro Max and hope for the best.

40 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 6, 2025 1:27 PM in response to SravanKrA

Yeah man, I’ve had iPhones since the 3G, and I’ve gotta say that this update has put me off ever going forward with a new version right away. This has not exactly bricked my phone, but iOS 26 has definitely ruined it to the point of making it unusable. My cameras no longer work, my frame rate has dropped to about 10fps, and apps are constantly crashing - ones like “messages” and “settings”. This is absolutely the worst update they’ve had; not to mention my Apple TV and iPad are also now bugging out. On my phone, it now says that I don’t have Apple genuine parts installed, even though my phone has never been repaired and worked absolutely fine in iOS 18. I’m not the only person reporting errors with this update, and even after waiting for the 26.1 update my issues not only persist, but are noticeably worse. On the phone with Apple support and after escalation they let me know that it’s a problem they’re aware of with my model - 13 Pro Max - and that there’s nothing they can do but wait for another software update. So, now, I get to upgrade to a 17 Pro Max and hope for the best.

Dec 13, 2025 8:13 AM in response to Mslostincyberspace

Mslostincyberspace wrote:

I am thoroughly frustrated with this new update. My lock screen is blurred and half white. This is unacceptable.

Are you referring to iOS 16.2 that has just been released? If that is the version you are on now, you have a new set of controls on your Lock Screen where you have a slider to adjust transparency, can set them to solid colors, and change the colors.

Sep 20, 2025 12:19 AM in response to AdiSingh_12

Yes,


After like a week or so

When I was playing Mech Arena at the middle of the game the screen started flickering and half of the screen turned white for like a split second

it happened two or three times but when i stopped playing the game and rebooted my device

It stopped


I believe it is some kind of driver issue where the driver is not fully synced with the new ios 26 update


cause graphic intensive game caused the screen to flicker

Dec 11, 2025 1:11 AM in response to AdiSingh_12

Yes, I too have dealt with the white semitransparent film covering the search area while typing on safari sites after 26.1 update on my iPhone mini 13. I even had fb commenting issues where I could not see what I had already typed. I've tried all the recommended fixes but nothing helped. Yesterday morning Apple support had me reset all settings in my phone and that fixed it for several hours. I went through my settings and set them to my preferences and the white film came back again. Support called me after a chat and tried working on my settings. She could not find solution in changing some of my settings so then recommended I reset all my settings again. She suggested I limit the changes I make in my settings afterwards especially in the keyboard settings and accessories. I'm afraid to even enlarge text size. I'm pretty bummed over this.

Sep 16, 2025 11:37 PM in response to AdiSingh_12

AdiSingh_12 wrote:

Hi Mac Jim ID,

Any insights on that would be really helpful before I decide to update.

That indicates you have not updated iOS 26 yet.


Was your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.


I have been updating my devices ever since I bought my first device in 2009. iPhone 3Gs, 4S, 5, 6, SE (1st Gen), 7, 8 and iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone 13, Macbook Air 2019, MacBook Pro 16"




I never had any issues with any iOS, iPadOS, or macOS updates to date.


I would personally recommend everyone update their devices instead of listening to rumors from people who may not have kept their devices free from any spurious software.


iOS / iPadOS devices cannot be hacked or infected with Virus / Malware / Spyware if it is updated to the latest iOS/iPadOS unless you have intentionally downloaded spurious software or unauthorized apps directly from the internet and installed them on your device or/and have Jailbroken



iOS updates generally aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. Issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.


This seems purely coincidental so please check the Setting on your device.



See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...


Sep 23, 2025 1:11 AM in response to Hira316

Hi Hira316,


That sounds really frustrating — especially since it started happening after the iOS 16 update. Have you had a chance to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support about the issue? Sometimes display issues like rainbow lines can be hardware-related, but it’s also possible the update triggered something.


Has the issue gotten any better, or is it still happening? Hope you’re able to get it resolved soon!

Screen issues on iPhone 13 Pro Max after iOS 26 update

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