iOS 18.3 update lockup on iPhone SE (Gen 2) with iTunes

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iOS 18.3 update lockup on iPhone SE (Gen 2) with iTunes

I tried to update to 18.3 on Jan. 28. - iPhone SE, Generation 2. I have two of these phones, for different numbers. They were on 17.2.1 (I think), and both have been working fine with my PC and iTunes.

BOTH PHONES LOCKED UP DURING THE UPDATE. They are stuck in the process - with the Apple Logo and a progress bar, about 5% complete (or so).

There was no plugging them back in, the PC and iTunes did not recognize them at all. No attempts to reboot or restart the phones had any effect at all. I tried rebooting the PC, restarting iTunes, phones plugged in and unplugged. Nothing works. Help!!!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone SE, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 30, 2025 09:41 AM

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Answer 1

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pd1hayden Author

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51 points

Jan 31, 2025 08:40 AM in response to SravanKrA

That's what I did. BOTH phones locked up, FROZE completely, with the logo and progress bar. Nothing would happen - still nothing after 3 days! No response or action on phones - no matter what. Thanks.

I wonder if a powerful electric magnet could "break" or erase whatever is binding the phone.

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Answer 2

Jan 30, 2025 11:35 PM in response to pd1hayden

After you update iOS or iPadOS, restore from a backup or erase your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, your device will display the Apple logo with a progress bar.

Apple logo with progress bar after updating or restoring ...

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Answer 3

Feb 5, 2025 02:37 PM in response to pd1hayden

same issue with iPad 9th gen -- took unit to warranty site and it was reported by them as damaged and needed to be replaced. . word to the wise-- back up as many times and ways as you can.. BAD things will Happen it seems!

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Answer 4

Feb 19, 2025 09:50 PM in response to pd1hayden

I have been using iPhones for years, never had an issue with updates. I work IT and many have company iPhones, no real issues. I have two of my own iPhones a 12 mini and a SE 3rd generation. This year alone iTunes update has frozen/locked up both of my iPhones twice each. I have watched it try to reboot and die three times. I just received permission from Apple today to use my iPhone SE today( It is a 2 week process for them to decide if you own your own phone or not.). Not an hour from the text message to the phone needs to update and it locked up. There is no reviving these iPhone without spending 2 hours to go to the local store and wait. I have spent an entire afternoon restoring most of what was on my phones. This is a firmware issue. I have reinstalled iTunes and repeated the disaster. If Apple knows what the cause is they don't care. So hi ho, hi ho it's back the the Apple store I go.

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Answer 5

pd1hayden Author

Level 1

51 points

Feb 3, 2025 12:31 PM in response to Christopher Martin3

HERE WAS MY ANSWER - SOLUTION!!!

Can you get to a Best Buy/Geek Squad or an Apple store? I think they must have proprietary software or even hardware that can get in there with proper cords and diagnose the issues.

They should have the repair stuff more available to repair shops, but they sure shouldn't charge for fixing something that they break with their software!!!!

NO CHARGE FROM BEST BUY FOR UPDATE ISSUES - COMPLIMENTARY.

Good luck!

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