iOS 18.2 has bricked my phone.

I have an iPhone 14. I've had it about 18 months. No issues to date before the current issue. 24 Dec 24 I downloaded and installed iOS 18.2. @an 8GB install. During install it stopped about 10% of the installation process. After letting it run for about an hour with no progress, I force reset it to start again. iTunes proceeded to crash so I swapped to using my laptop. My desktop iTunes crashes every time I try to use my 14 like this.

My laptop recognised my phone and initiated the restore/update process. Each time it stopped at the same point. I started the process several times to the same result.

I jumped on support and had a chat with a support tech. Everything suggested I had already tried. Next option is going to an apple store.

Any suggestions?

iPhone 12, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 25, 2024 02:51 PM

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Posted on Jan 5, 2025 05:04 AM

update to 18.2 on a iphone XR bricked this as there is something missing a software item on the servers of Apple for this model.... meanwhile the XR of my wife is out = tried all the mentioned tricks and NOTHING happens, the XR is not seen by Music/iTunes, nor by iMazing. I cannot install the backup or a new OS....

The screen is black with an Apple logo and the progressing bar of the updat with misses one pixel.

The XR's battery must be at 100% seen the time on a connection usb to the iMac.

How can iI regain control of the XR ??



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9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 5, 2025 05:04 AM in response to Bods666

update to 18.2 on a iphone XR bricked this as there is something missing a software item on the servers of Apple for this model.... meanwhile the XR of my wife is out = tried all the mentioned tricks and NOTHING happens, the XR is not seen by Music/iTunes, nor by iMazing. I cannot install the backup or a new OS....

The screen is black with an Apple logo and the progressing bar of the updat with misses one pixel.

The XR's battery must be at 100% seen the time on a connection usb to the iMac.

How can iI regain control of the XR ??



Jan 14, 2025 03:57 PM in response to CaptainQue

I went into Apple today so they can fix mine and my sons phones.

They restored both, mine to iOS 17.X.X and my sons to 18.2.1.

Further investigation of mine indicated the Logic Board was defective. Luckily it was still covered by AppleCare. They tried to fix it. That didn't work so they replaced it. Massive win there.

I came home. iTunes is effectively only for podcasts and audiobooks now so forced migration to Apple Devices and Apple Music.

Went to restore from a backup....wont allow restoration since "backup is incompatible with this iOS, update and then restore" (paraphrased)

Tried to do that. Still not working. Now I have an error code though.

My sons is working so using his (it's a hand-me-down from me) Intention is to get Apple to reset mine and update it to 18.2.1 in store then try to restore it from backup.

Dec 25, 2024 11:06 PM in response to Bods666

Here are some common solutions you can attempt:


  1. Follow the Apple article to resolve the issue --> If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen ...
  2. If not resolved; please follow the steps in the following link for support with this issue: If your iOS device restarts or displays the Apple logo or a spinning gear unexpectedly
  3. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  4. Make sure you have the latest updates installed. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  5. You still see a black screen after charging, force restarting, following the steps in this article.
    1. You see a black screen, but you can hear alerts, sounds, and vibrations.
    2. The screen remains black, but the device chirps when you unmute it and connect it to power.
    3. Your screen is on, but it doesn't respond when you tap, slide, or try other gestures. 
    4. You can't force your device to restart because a button is broken or stuck.
    5. Your device is stuck on the Apple logo, displays a solid color, or isn't recognized in iTunes.
    6. Contact Apple Support to set up service if you have any of the above issues:
  6. Please follow the steps in the following Apple Video for support with this issue:



If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.


Feb 24, 2025 05:56 AM in response to Bods666

It’s awesome paying obscene amounts of money for a top of the line phone that is bricked by the companies software before the contract is even half way through. My phone has been complete garbage since IOS18. I don’t have time to trouble shoot my phone, create products that work, or find a mirror and ask why you’re so incompetent, mediocre, and value-destroying.

Dec 25, 2024 11:05 PM in response to Bods666

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!



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...


Jan 14, 2025 12:31 PM in response to Bods666

Much sympathy brother! I have run into the same problems with 18.2 and now again with 18.2.1. I'm updating from iTunes so I can backup first to my Win 11 PC. This problem started with this Windows update!

Edition Windows 11 Home

Version 24H2

Installed on ‎12/‎8/‎2024

OS build 26100.2605

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.36.0


Apple service at Micro Center restored my phone. I imagine they can fix it again...


Can APPLE release a new version of iTunes to fix this??


iOS upgrade freezes with progress bar on phone at <10%. iTune application on Win 11 crashes, it just disappears.



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iOS 18.2 has bricked my phone.

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