Introduction

iPhone users are sounding the alarm and urging their fellow Apple aficionados to think twice before downloading the latest iOS updates. The most recent iteration, iOS 18, launched in September, has been met with widespread backlash, with many users labeling it as "terrible."

Frustration with the Photos App

One of the focal points of discontent revolves around the overhauled Photos app. Many users have expressed their frustration on social media, with one person exclaiming, "The photos app after the iOS 18 update is actually the worst thing to happen to any Apple product ever—like, what is this?" Such sentiments hint at a disillusionment with a tool that was once a favorite amongst iPhone users.

The Response to iOS 18.1.1

Fast forward to the release of iOS 18.1.1 on November 19, and the situation appears to have worsened. Despite being an incremental update following versions 18.1 and 18.0.1, it has not received any warmer reception. Users have taken to Twitter to vent, with one declaring, "iOS 18.1.1 is the nastiest piece of operating system omg." Another wrote, "I wish I could bring back the last version, but customer support told me I might lose data and have to do a total reset."

Loss of Features and User Experience

Many users lament the loss of features they loved, particularly in video editing where the newer options feel clunky and unintuitive. "The 'favorites' are gone, and the new format for viewing photos and videos is just frustrating," one user vented. Others have reported instances of their passwords vanishing from the homepage and shared chaotic screenshots depicting the bewildering layout changes.

User Sentiment on iOS Updates

The conclusion drawn by the masses? The latest updates have made the Photos app "unusable," with the whole experience deemed "unrecognizable."

Apple's Response

In contrast, Apple has issued notes indicating that the iOS 18.1.1 update comes with "important security fixes" and has been "recommended for all users." However, past experience suggests that these promises may not comfort those who feel their user experience has deteriorated.

New Features in iOS 18.1

Notably, iOS 18.1 introduced various new features, such as the capability to record voice and video calls and a hearing test tool aimed at providing scientifically validated results from home. Alongside resolving issues like unplayed podcast episodes erroneously showing as played, these updates have done little to offset the anger surrounding the Photos app.

Conclusion

As Apple faces a growing chorus of dissatisfaction, you may want to hold off on that update for now and do some research on the changes before making the leap. Stay tuned as we continue to track the reactions and developments surrounding the iOS updates!