Even though the Calculator app seems the most straightforward app to develop and maintain, it seems Apple missed the mark with its Calculator app on iOS 18. Earlier today, I highlighted a bug with the app that’s resulting in the app displaying previous calculations when opened even after users hit the AC button before exiting. Even the useful swipe-to-delete functionality got the boot. But the troubles don’t end there! I’ve come across a few threads on Reddit and Apple’s discussion forum indicating the Calculator app no longer supports repeating operations.
In previous iOS versions, including iOS 17, entering something like 1 + 1 = results in 2, and pressing = again continues the operation, adding 1 repeatedly to give 3, 4, 5, and so on. This feature was quietly removed in the iOS 18 update, and now, once a calculation completes, pressing = again does nothing. Users have to manually re-enter the operator (+, -, etc.) each time to continue calculating, disrupting workflows that rely on quick, repeated inputs.
After testing this on an iPhone XS running iOS 17.7 and an iPhone 13 running iOS 18.1 RC, I can confirm that the change is indeed present. As expected, this has sparked a wave of frustration. One user on Apple’s discussion forum described the app as now being “utterly unusable,” wondering if anyone at Apple actually uses the calculator. Another user said: “Apple can get the most complex things right and the most simple of things wrong to a laughable degree.”
While some users have raised questions about whether this behavior was intentional or a bug, the consensus is clear — many want the old functionality back. The calculator’s other updates, such as adding calculation history, don’t seem to compensate for what’s seen as a core usability flaw.
Interestingly, Apple seems to have taken a page out of Android’s book with this one. Most calculator apps on Android, including Google’s own app, don’t allow repeating operations.
As of now, Apple hasn’t publicly addressed the complaints or provided clarity on whether the change was by design or a mistake. For now, users reliant on quick, repeat calculations will either need to adapt or turn to third-party calculator apps that retain the familiar behavior.
The Calculator app isn’t the only thing Apple seems to have botched with iOS 18, many users dislike the new Photos app, the Settings search, and the new Live Activities functionality.
Dwayne Cubbins
386 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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