The iOS 18 black icon bug refuses to go away, even after the recent iOS 18.1 and 18.1.1 updates. I first noticed this issue during the beta testing phase of iOS 18 on my iPhone 13. This issue leaves some app icons appearing completely blank, especially in folders or when using dark mode. Many users hoped Apple would fix it by now, but frustration is building as the bug persists.
Reports from iPhone users across platforms like Reddit shed light on just how widespread this problem is. One user shared a screenshot showing blank icons in app groups, describing the issue as a graphical glitch introduced with iOS 18.1.1. Others echoed the complaint, noting that the problem is not limited to dark mode. A user reported seeing the same issue even in light mode, suggesting the bug isn’t exclusive to a specific theme.
Here’s the screenshot for reference:
For some, the bug resolves itself after a while or through a hard reboot, but that’s not the case for everyone. Some users claim they’d tried every trick in the book — hard reboots, resetting focus modes, and even setting up a replacement phone through AppleCare — yet the blank icons persist.
Dark mode, in particular, appears to be a sore spot for many users. One commenter on Reddit called it “horrible,” citing not just the black icon bug but a general decline in graphical stability since iOS 18’s release. “The graphics get worse with each update,” they added, claiming they’ve started relying more on an Android phone for work because of the growing inconsistencies in Apple’s software.
These ongoing complaints raise questions about Apple’s attention to detail. Bugs like this aren’t just minor annoyances; they affect usability and can make a phone feel less polished. Some users feel Apple has deprioritized quality control in favor of rushing out features.
For those of us who encountered the black icon bug during the beta stages, the persistence of this issue feels like déjà vu. While Apple addressed many glitches in the 18.1 and 18.1.1 updates, this one remains stubborn. There’s hope it might finally get resolved with iOS 18.2. I’ve not encountered the problem ever since the iOS 18.2 beta was released. But until the stable update goes live, affected users are left troubleshooting with mixed results.
Featured image credits: ngc663 / Reddit
Dwayne Cubbins
389 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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