Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are drawing early complaints from some users over Face ID reliability, with the problems reportedly becoming more noticeable in low-light conditions and when parts of the face are obscured.
The two Pro models arrived alongside iOS 27 with under-display Face ID among their headline changes. The technology is designed to create a more seamless display experience, but early reports suggest the new implementation is not working consistently in every situation.
Users have reported difficulty unlocking their phones while wearing sunglasses or masks, as well as in situations where hair partially covers the face. Recognition speed and accuracy have also been described as weaker than on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Another issue being reported involves Face ID having greater difficulty recognising users in dimly lit surroundings.
What remains unclear is whether these early Face ID problems are entirely software-related.
Apple has not yet clarified whether the inconsistencies are linked to limitations of the under-display hardware or whether they can be completely addressed through software updates. That distinction could prove important for owners waiting to see how quickly the experience improves.
iOS 27 complaints extend beyond Face ID
Furthermore, some users using iOS 27 have experienced touch delays and lag while doing basic tasks like swiping and typing. The touchscreen issues have not been reported only with the most recent Pro models but also with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 variants.
The Always-On Display has produced another unusual complaint. Some users say the feature can switch itself back on after being disabled, forcing them to repeatedly change the setting.
Taken together, the reports point to two separate areas that Apple may have to address: the behaviour of the new under-display Face ID system on the iPhone 18 Pro range and broader iOS 27 software glitches affecting day-to-day use.
A software update could address some of the problems
An iOS 27.0.1 update is anticipated, with the report suggesting it could target touchscreen responsiveness and Always-On Display problems. Improvements to Face ID performance may also be included, although the scope and timing of any such fixes have not been confirmed.
Until then, users experiencing Face ID problems can try enabling Require Attention for Face ID, keeping their device on the latest available version of iOS and, where practical, using Face ID in better-lit surroundings.
These measures are suggested as temporary ways to reduce disruption rather than permanent fixes.
The situation is particularly notable because under-display Face ID is one of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max’s major design changes. Moving authentication hardware beneath the screen promises a cleaner display, but the early reports show that the practical experience will matter as much as the visual improvement.
The next round of iOS updates should provide a clearer picture of how much can be resolved through software alone.
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