iOS 26.2.1 has recently been released and was primarily intended to fix minor bugs and add new features. However, reports are now increasing that the update is having the opposite effect for some users. Instead of improved stability, users are apparently experiencing crashes, system freezes, and significantly increased battery consumption.
Apple released iOS 26.2.1 last week. Besides standard bug fixes, it also brings support for AirTag 2. However, shortly after its release, user reports surfaced suggesting that the update may have introduced new bugs.
Crashes, freezes, and delays
According to reports gathered by Macworld and other sources, some users are complaining about significant stability issues after installing iOS 26.2.1. Apps are reportedly crashing frequently or freezing completely. In some cases, the system is sluggish, noticeably impacting everyday use.
This is particularly evident in a thread on the Apple Community forum. There, a user describes how, since the update, almost every app on the iPhone crashes or freezes. According to the report, even attempts to delete apps or files don't seem to bring any improvement.
Connection problems after the update
In addition to stability issues, connection errors are also being reported. Another thread in the Apple Community describes how, after installation, the iPhone can no longer connect to the user's mobile network.
Similar experiences are also emerging in discussions that refer to a report by MacObserver. In the comments, several users report comparable problems, suggesting that these are not isolated incidents.
Reddit discussions reinforce this impression
Complaints are also surfacing outside of the Apple forums. A Reddit thread titled "iOS 26.2.1 feels like an experiment" contains numerous comments from users reporting crashes, instability, and other issues after the update.
iOS 26.2.1: Update with mixed results
iOS 26.2.1 was supposed to impress with bug fixes and support for AirTag 2, but it's causing new problems for some users. Crashes, freezes, connection errors, and increased battery drain are the main complaints. Once there's an official response or another update, it should become clear whether and how quickly the issues with iOS 26.2.1 will be resolved. (Image: Shutterstock / SveKo)
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