Why Do Some People Hate The New IOS Update And What Changed

Apple's annual iOS updates typically bring a wave of excitement—new features, enhanced security, and improved performance. But with every major release, a vocal segment of users expresses frustration, confusion, or outright resistance. The latest iOS update is no exception. While many embrace the changes, others feel alienated by design shifts, performance issues, or the loss of familiar functionality. Understanding this divide requires more than surface-level complaints; it demands a close look at what actually changed—and why those changes trigger such strong reactions.

The backlash isn’t always about bugs or technical flaws. Often, it’s rooted in disrupted habits, accessibility concerns, or perceived overreach in user control. As Apple pushes forward with innovation, it sometimes leaves behind users who value stability, simplicity, or personalization. This article breaks down the real reasons behind the discontent, examines key changes in the new iOS version, and offers practical ways to navigate the transition.

What Changed in the New iOS Update?

The most recent iOS update introduced a mix of visual redesigns, privacy enhancements, AI-driven features, and under-the-hood optimizations. While Apple frames these as improvements, not all changes land positively with the user base. Below are the most impactful alterations that have sparked debate:

• Redesigned Control Center: Apple flattened and consolidated controls, reducing customization options and making certain toggles harder to access quickly.
• New Lock Screen Customization: Widgets and layered visuals were expanded, but older devices struggle with responsiveness.
• AI-Powered Features (e.g., Siri Overhaul, Writing Tools): Introduced generative AI for summarizing messages, rewriting text, and smarter voice commands—but only on select newer devices.
• App Library Restructuring: Automatic categorization now overrides manual folder placement in some cases, frustrating power users.
• Notification Summary Changes: The schedule-based delivery is now less predictable, with some users reporting missed alerts.
• Removal of Legacy Options: Features like “Slide to Type” on the keyboard and certain haptic feedback settings were deprecated without direct replacements.

These changes reflect Apple’s broader shift toward automation, AI integration, and aesthetic minimalism. But while sleeker interfaces may appeal to some, they often come at the cost of user control and backward compatibility.

Tip: If you're struggling with the new Control Center layout, try rearranging your most-used controls via Settings > Control Center—even small adjustments can restore usability.

Why Do Some People Hate the Update?

Frustration with software updates isn’t unique to iOS, but Apple’s ecosystem amplifies the impact because users have limited alternatives. When an update forces change, there’s no easy workaround. Here are the core reasons driving negative sentiment:

Loss of Familiarity and Muscle Memory

Longtime iPhone users rely on instinctive gestures and menu locations. Moving or removing features disrupts workflow. For example, relocating the flashlight and camera shortcuts in the Control Center has caused confusion, especially in urgent situations where speed matters.

Performance Issues on Older Devices

While flagship iPhones handle the update smoothly, older models—especially the iPhone 11 through iPhone 13—report lag, app crashes, and faster battery drain. Users feel penalized for not upgrading hardware annually.

“We’ve seen a 30% increase in support tickets related to sluggish performance after the update, mostly from users on three-year-old devices.” — David Lin, Senior Technician at MobileCare Solutions

Over-Automation and Reduced Customization

Apple increasingly favors curated experiences over user freedom. The new App Library automatically reorganizes apps into categories, overriding manually created folders. Similarly, the updated notification system prioritizes “summary” batches over real-time alerts, which some interpret as Apple deciding what users should see—and when.

Accessibility Concerns

Some visual changes, such as thinner fonts, lower contrast icons, and smaller tap targets, make navigation harder for users with visual or motor impairments. Advocacy groups have criticized the update for moving backward on inclusive design principles.

Mandatory AI Integration

The new AI tools, while powerful, are non-optional in some contexts. Siri now processes more data locally, but the setup prompts appear repeatedly, and disabling them isn’t intuitive. Users concerned about privacy or cognitive load feel overwhelmed by unsolicited intelligence.

Comparison: Old vs. New iOS Experience

Feature	Previous iOS Version	New iOS Version	User Impact
Control Center Layout	Customizable, distinct modules	Flattened, merged toggles	Harder to locate specific functions quickly
Lock Screen Widgets	Basic, static	Interactive, layered	Better for newer phones; sluggish on older ones
App Organization	Manual folder control	Auto-categorized by AI	Power users lose granular control
Battery Efficiency	Stable across device ages	Optimized for new chips only	Older models drain faster
Privacy Controls	Clear opt-in for tracking	More background data use for AI	Less transparency in data processing

Real User Experience: A Case Study

Sarah Thompson, a 58-year-old high school administrator and long-time iPhone user, upgraded her iPhone 12 to the latest iOS shortly after its release. She expected minor improvements but found herself struggling within days.

“I used to swipe up and tap the flashlight icon instantly,” she said. “Now I have to hunt for it in a cluttered Control Center. And my phone feels slower—emails take longer to load, and the keyboard freezes when I type quickly.”

Sarah also noticed that her carefully organized App Library folders were rearranged overnight. “I had ‘Work Apps’ grouped together. Now they’re scattered into ‘Productivity,’ ‘Communication,’ and other vague labels. It feels like the phone is deciding how I should work.”

After two weeks of frustration, Sarah considered downgrading—but discovered that rollback wasn’t possible without losing data. Instead, she spent hours adjusting settings, reorganizing apps, and disabling AI features she didn’t use. “It shouldn’t take half a day to make my own phone usable again,” she said.

Sarah’s experience reflects a broader pattern: well-intentioned updates that prioritize aesthetics and AI over usability for non-technical or efficiency-focused users.

How to Adapt: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re struggling with the new iOS update, you’re not stuck. While you can’t revert to the old interface, you can reclaim control through deliberate configuration. Follow this timeline to regain comfort and functionality:

1. Day 1: Reset and Reassess
   Restart your device to clear temporary glitches. Open Settings and check for any pending post-update configurations.
2. Day 2: Customize Control Center
   Go to Settings > Control Center. Remove redundant toggles and add back frequently used ones like flashlight or magnifier. Rearranging them can restore muscle memory.
3. Day 3: Tame Notifications
   Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary. Adjust timing or disable summaries for critical apps. Enable “Immediate Delivery” for messages, email, and calendar.
4. Day 4: Rebuild App Folders
   Manually recreate folders in the Home Screen and App Library. Even if AI reclassifies apps, your custom folders remain accessible.
5. Day 5: Optimize Performance
   Enable Low Power Mode temporarily. Clear unused apps and cache. Turn off unnecessary animations in Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion.
6. Day 6: Review Privacy & AI Settings
   Visit Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements. Disable “Improve Siri & Dictation” if you don’t want local AI processing.
7. Day 7: Test and Refine
   Use your phone normally. Note any lingering pain points and search Apple Support or communities for targeted fixes.

Tip: Create a backup before making major setting changes. Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure you can restore if needed.

Action Checklist: Regain Control After the iOS Update

Use this checklist to systematically address common frustrations:

• ✅ Reorganize Control Center toggles for quick access
• ✅ Disable Notification Summaries for time-sensitive apps
• ✅ Recreate essential app folders manually
• ✅ Turn off Reduce Transparency and Motion if UI feels sluggish
• ✅ Limit widget usage on older devices to improve battery life
• ✅ Disable AI writing tools if they interfere with typing flow
• ✅ Enable Bold Text and Larger Cursor for better visibility
• ✅ Check for carrier and app updates that may resolve conflicts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I downgrade to the previous iOS version?

No, Apple typically stops signing the previous iOS version within days of a new release. Once you update, downgrading requires complex methods involving computer backups and risks data loss. Always back up before updating.

Why is my iPhone slower after the update?

The new iOS uses more RAM and CPU resources, especially for AI tasks and dynamic widgets. Older devices lack the neural engine power to run these efficiently. Try closing background apps, enabling Low Power Mode, and reducing animation effects to improve speed.

Are the AI features mandatory?

Most can be disabled, though not always intuitively. For example, Siri’s new capabilities activate by default, but you can limit processing in Settings > Siri & Search > Improve Siri & Dictation. Writing tools in Notes and Messages can be toggled off per app or globally in Keyboard settings.

Expert Insight: Balancing Innovation and Usability

“Apple walks a tightrope between innovation and user comfort. The problem isn’t the technology—it’s the assumption that everyone wants it. Forced AI, reduced customization, and one-size-fits-all design erode trust among loyal users.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher at Stanford University

Experts agree that while AI and automation offer real benefits, their implementation must respect user agency. Opt-in, rather than opt-out, models would reduce friction and allow users to adopt changes at their own pace.

Conclusion: Navigating Change Without Losing Control

Disliking a new iOS update doesn’t mean resisting progress—it means valuing reliability, efficiency, and personal workflow. Apple’s vision for the future is undeniably advanced, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of everyday usability.

The changes in the latest update reflect broader industry trends: AI-first design, automated organization, and streamlined interfaces. But technology should serve people, not the other way around. By understanding what changed and taking deliberate steps to customize your experience, you can bridge the gap between innovation and practicality.

Don’t accept frustration as inevitable. Explore settings, advocate for better defaults, and share your feedback with Apple through their official channels. Millions of users shape software evolution—one complaint, suggestion, or workaround at a time.

💬 Your experience matters. Have thoughts on the new iOS update? Share your tips, frustrations, or favorite hidden settings in the comments—help others navigate the change with confidence.