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Is the iOS 26 Update Making Your iPhone Unusable? Discover the Reliable Fix!
The iOS 26 beta update is causing some iPhones—especially recent models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max—to become unresponsive. Affected devices often display a persistent low battery screen, even when fully charged, and do not respond to standard recovery methods. This issue does not impact all users, but those affected are unable to restart or recover their phones through normal means.
Key Observations
- The problem mainly affects newer iPhone models during or after the update process.
- Devices get stuck on the low battery (red charge level) screen despite adequate charge.
- Some users with replacement batteries suspect a link, but there is no confirmed evidence.
- Not all devices are impacted; some users report smooth operation on the beta.
User Experiences
“Been charging for an hour and still nothing.”
“Phone becomes unchargeable, can’t boot, can’t be recovered.”
“Install seemed fine, but now stuck on low battery screen—no recovery works.”
Solution: DFU Mode Restore
A proven workaround for this problem is restoring the device using DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This process allows the iPhone to communicate with a computer and reinstall a stable iOS version, such as iOS 18.5.
Steps to Enter DFU Mode and Restore
- Connect your iPhone to a wall charger to ensure sufficient power.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
- Once the screen is black, also hold the Volume Down button while continuing to hold the Side button.
- After 5 seconds, release the Side button but keep holding Volume Down for another 10 seconds.
- If done correctly, the screen remains dark, and your computer will recognize the device in recovery mode.
- Use iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone to a stable iOS version.
- If you encounter “unknown error (9)” during the process, disable any VPN on your computer, as it may interfere with the restore.
Recommendations
- Users experiencing this issue should attempt the DFU restore process, repeating if necessary.
- Those considering the iOS 26 beta should back up their data and wait for a more stable release if possible.
- Apple is likely to address this issue in future updates.
This guidance ensures you can recover your device and avoid potential data loss, maintaining a seamless iPhone experience.