Some iPhone users are frustrated with push notifications acting up after updating to iOS 18.2. Reports of issues are popping up across Apple’s forums and Reddit. It seems like notifications either don’t show up at all on the lock screen or only appear when the device is unlocked. Sounds and haptics don’t seem to work either, leaving some people in the dark when messages or alerts come in.
One user shared that their iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPad Air, both running iOS 18.2.1, are only showing notifications when the screen is awake. They said they even tried a full wipe and clean install, but the problem didn’t go away. Another person with an iPhone 13 mentioned that they only receive certain alerts, like emergency warnings, but not regular app notifications. Even after restarting their phone, the issue persisted.
Some users have pointed out that adjusting notification settings doesn’t fix the problem either. For example, one person said they made sure notifications were turned on for their apps, but nothing lights up or shows on the lock screen. A few tried reinstalling apps or turning off features like Attention Aware, but no luck there either.
The problem isn’t limited to one device or app. Users with various iPhone models, from the iPhone 13 to the latest iPhone 16, have mentioned issues with apps like WhatsApp, Mail, and Snapchat. Some say their screens don’t light up at all, while others find notifications missing from the notification center entirely.
My iPhone 16 is on the latest iOS 18.3 beta and I’ve not encountered any issues with notifications nor was I able to replicate the problem while testing before writing this post. So it’s possible that Apple may have a fix for the problem with the stable iOS 18.3 update, but it’s not guaranteed. Furthermore, this does not seem to be a widespread problem, judging by the number of reports online.
For now, Apple hasn’t officially acknowledged the issue. People in the community forums are sharing workarounds, but most of them seem to be hit or miss. Reinstalling apps, restarting phones, or tweaking settings might help some users, but for many, the problem remains unresolved.
With iOS 18.2.1 already out and not fixing the issue, some are hoping for a more reliable update soon. If push notifications are a must for you, it might be worth holding off on updating to iOS 18.2 or later until this gets sorted.
Dwayne Cubbins
552 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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