Apple’s latest iOS update has sparked heated debates among users, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. iOS 18, which debuted in September, quickly gained a reputation as one of the most poorly received updates in recent history. Despite Apple releasing subsequent patches, including iOS 18.1 and the most recent iOS 18.1.1 on November 19, the complaints have persisted, with some users describing the changes as “the worst thing to happen to Apple products.”
One of the most controversial aspects of the update revolves around modifications to the Photos app. Previously a seamless and user-friendly experience, many users now claim the app is almost unusable. Social media was inundated with angry posts, including one user who wrote, “The Photos app after the iOS 18 update is actually the worst thing to happen to any Apple product ever like wtf is this sh*t.”
While the initial rollout of iOS 18 was met with backlash, the situation has not improved with subsequent updates. iOS 18.1 and 18.1.1, aimed at refining the software, have done little to placate frustrated users. Some of the grievances include the removal of familiar features and the introduction of a new structure that many find confusing. One particularly disgruntled user noted, “The new updated photo and video editing structure is so frustrating and not easy to work with anymore. The ‘favorites’ are gone. There’s an entirely new format to view photos and videos, and it’s not easy to navigate through. The old version was much better.”
Additionally, the new update has reportedly affected video editing features, with users describing them as unnecessarily complicated. Passwords, which were previously conveniently accessible on the homepage, are now harder to locate, adding to the frustration. One user lamented, “I wish I could bring back the last version, but I was told by customer support that some of my information would be lost and I would have to do a total reset on my phone.”
The discontent extends beyond the Photos app. Some users have shared chaotic screenshots of their devices, illustrating the struggles of navigating the new system. One post read, “iOS 18.1.1 is the nastiest piece of operating system omg.” Another echoed these sentiments, calling it “the worst update ever” and accusing Apple of making “almost everything unrecognizable.”
Despite the outcry, Apple’s website describes the latest update, iOS 18.1.1, as a minor release aimed at addressing security issues. The company recommends the update for all users but has not detailed any significant usability improvements. In contrast, the earlier iOS 18.1 update included a more extensive list of changes, such as a feature allowing voice and video call recording, a hearing test tool for conducting scientifically validated assessments at home, and fixes for issues in the Podcasts app.
While some might appreciate these additions, the overall reception has been far from positive. The removal or restructuring of long-standing features seems to have overshadowed any potential benefits, leaving many iPhone users yearning for earlier, simpler versions of iOS. Apple’s attempt to innovate has unintentionally alienated a significant portion of its user base, sparking questions about the company’s approach to software updates and user feedback.