Some iPhone users report flashlight lag after iOS 18.2 update

The latest iOS 18.2 update has landed, bringing a mix of dazzling features and… some dimmer moments. While Apple’s update added plenty of sparkle with new tools like Image Playground and the ever-evolving Genmoji, a shadowy issue is frustrating iPhone users: the flashlight isn’t exactly the bright star it used to be.

Reports from iPhone users who’ve updated to iOS 18.2 reveal an annoying quirk — a noticeable lag when toggling the flashlight. Whether you’re using the action button, the Control Center, or the lock screen, the light seems to take its sweet time to shine. Some users say the delay lasts anywhere from one to three seconds, while others claim the flashlight occasionally doesn’t turn on at all. And for the especially unlucky, the flashlight toggles off after just a brief flicker.

This isn’t just a one-off hiccup. Several iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users have noted the issue, and it appears the problem has persisted since the beta days of iOS 18.2. Despite Apple polishing the beta into a stable release, the flashlight still hasn’t gotten the memo to be snappy again.

The bug isn’t just irritating — it’s baffling. Some users have resorted to temporary fixes like resetting their phones, but this only seems to kick the can down the road. And while some speculate it could be a hardware issue, the limited reports suggest it’s more likely a software glitch.

This flashlight hiccup is just the tip of the iceberg for iOS 18.2 quirks. Users are also reporting issues with Apple Mail notifications, Apple Intelligence features stuck in limbo, and missing tools like Image Playground for some unlucky users.

For now, it remains to be seen when Apple will address the flashlight bug. Will we see a quick fix in an 18.2.1 patch, or will users have to wait for a major update? Until then, iPhone owners might want to keep a spare flashlight nearby, just in case their digital beam decides to take a coffee break.