Push notification issue after updating iPhone to iOS 18.5

Hello,




Since updating to iOS 18.5, I’m experiencing a consistent issue with push notifications (e.g., from WhatsApp). About 15–20 minutes after locking the screen, notifications stop arriving. However, when I simply wake the device (without unlocking it), the message appears silently — no sound, no haptic, as if it had been delayed.




All notification settings are enabled, background app refresh is on, Low Power Mode is off, and reinstalling the app doesn’t help.




It seems the system is suspending background push reception while the screen is off for an extended period.




Could you please confirm whether this is a known issue in iOS 18.5, and whether a fix is planned for an upcoming release?




Thank you.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Notifications delay

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 01:31 AM

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Similar questions

10 replies

Jun 20, 2025 03:44 AM in response to Romanchek

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.



Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!



Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.



iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.


Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.


Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.



See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...



Jun 20, 2025 03:45 AM in response to Romanchek

It surely is not iOS 18.5 because...


I conducted a thorough search of this forum using the term 'Notification after iOS' and uncovered numerous posts detailing similar issues across various iOS updates. This suggests that iOS updates may not consistently be the root cause. Below are a handful of examples extracted from over 1,500 search results:




It's possible there's a known issue with your device


Jun 20, 2025 03:48 AM in response to Romanchek

Check this, first.


Or Use and customize the Action button on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)




Then please check the following.



Notification Preview when Screen is Locked, Notification Alerts, Notification OFF, and much more...


  1. To get Notifications when the Screen is locked see the pic below which is self-explanatory
  2. To turn ON notifications selectively for apps, go to Settings > Notifications > Scroll Down to the App and turn ON notifications... Change notification settings on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
  3. Some apps have their own notification settings over and above the iOS notification settings: An example of Instagram Notification settings is given below
  4. Help for Notification Alerts --> No Notification Alerts - Apple Community
  5. For VIP email Alerts refer to the pic below
  6. The pic below is self-explanatory


Jul 17, 2025 01:23 PM in response to Romanchek

Hello, i have exact the same problem.


I just updated my device from iphone 13 to Iphone 16 pro. When i block my screen i receive messages the first minutes (near one hour) then, it stops receiving anything, i even tried with my moms phone and the messages only show 1 check (sent but not received), when i unlock the screen and open my whatsap and my moms shows double check.


This is annoying, did you solve this issue?


Im thinking to return the phone, its new, i think its the device itself since my brothers and moms dont have the same issue

Aug 1, 2025 09:51 AM in response to jcamilocf

Since my iPhone 16 Pro was still within the 14-day return period, I went back and told them I wanted the 256GB version. They gave me a brand new one—and surprise! The same issue started happening again.

I eventually found out that the problem was with the carrier. Sometimes, carriers don't have the correct settings or bundles properly configured. I switched to a different carrier and now only use data from the new one while keeping my original number. Everything is working perfectly now—no more issues with internet cutting out on data or Wi-Fi!

Push notification issue after updating iPhone to iOS 18.5

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