The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max introduce a smaller Face ID system with the Infrared camera hidden behind the screen. A software glitch in the shipping release of iOS 27 is causing devices to freeze and reboot after failed Face ID attempts. The bug has been reproduced on at least one European iPhone 18 Pro model, though it does not affect all users.

The issue occurs when using Face ID to unlock protected apps, such as the Passwords app or private Safari tabs, rather than directly from the lock screen. To trigger the bug, users can cover their face during a Face ID challenge and then tap “Try Face ID Again,” causing the phone to lock up and eventually reboot.

Reports from affected users on Reddit indicate that Apple support has recommended hardware swaps, but this is likely a misdiagnosis. The problem is expected to be resolved through a future iOS 27 software update, similar to a separate bug that can trigger reboots on any iPhone model.