Users on Reddit are reporting an issue with the iOS 18.5 update and the Mail app, making the app unusable and preventing users from reading and sending email. The problems occur after installing iOS 18.5, which Apple released about three weeks ago. Users report having the screen go blank, slow and laggy scrolling, an inability to load messages, crashes, and other problems. Macworld has experienced the problems firsthand.
The temporary fix seems to be a restart of the iPhone, but the problem recurs after a period of time. Some users on Reddit had to resort to a forced restart of the iPhone, the procedure for which differs if you have Face ID or Touch ID. Here at Macworld, we can confirm that it is an issue an at least one of our phones and restarts have fixed the issue. However, after a day or so it crops up again.
Apple has not commented on the issue, nor has the company issued a new beta update after the official release of iOS 18.5, which would presumably include a fix. Apple has released iOS updates before without entering a beta cycle, usually for security fixes and emergency bug fixes. We haven’t heard anything about a potention iOS 18.5.1, but with WWDC beginning Monday, it’s likely that it would be at least another week before it gets fixed.
It is possible to downgrade from the iOS 18.5 update, but the procedure isn’t easy. It involves attaching the iPhone to a Mac, downloading the proper IPSW file, and doing an installation. It’s a drastic action to take, but you may want to consider it if Mail is vital to your communications. Learn more about downgrading an iOS installation.