The Mail app issues typically manifest as the app freezing upon opening, displaying a blank or white screen, or failing to load emails. One user, CPFC89, reported on Apple’s support forum, “Since I did the 18.5 update, the phone freezes every time I open Mail. It’s ridiculous I have to keep restarting the phone.” Similar complaints echo across models, including the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and even older devices like the iPhone Xs. Another user noted their Yahoo Mail, accessed via the iPhone’s Mail settings, also freezes or shows a blank screen, a problem that began post-update.
Posts on X and reports from outlets like The Times of India confirm the issue’s prevalence, with users describing the need to reboot their devices multiple times daily. Some have observed the problem persists on Wi-Fi but occasionally resolves when using cellular data, hinting at potential network-related triggers. For instance, a user with an iPhone 14 Pro Max mentioned the app worked fine outside their apartment’s Dish Fiber network, suggesting possible server or connectivity conflicts.
Temporary Fixes Offer Limited Relief
Users have shared workarounds, though results vary. A hard reset—pressing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears—has helped some, like one iPhone 14 user who reported normal functionality after the reset. Others have tried force-closing the app, toggling Wi-Fi or cellular data, or removing and re-adding email accounts, particularly for IMAP or Microsoft 365 accounts. However, these fixes are often temporary, with the issue recurring within hours.
Some users have reported success by switching to alternative email clients, like the Gmail app, to bypass the native Mail app’s glitches. Another user on Apple’s Community Forum mentioned that emails with images, especially in Microsoft 365 accounts, often trigger a prolonged “LOADING” screen when replying or forwarding, a problem absent in earlier iOS versions.
What’s Causing the Glitches?
The exact cause remains unclear, as Apple has not officially acknowledged the issue. Speculation points to server-side problems or compatibility issues introduced in iOS 18.5’s Mail app updates, which included new features like contact photo toggling and enhanced security. Recent reports have covered Apple’s latest software updates, but no definitive link to the Mail app bug has been confirmed. Some users suspect server-side issues, given the timing of the problem’s onset around June 4, well after the initial iOS 18.5 rollout.
The update’s integration of features like email categorization and AI-driven enhancements, as reported by AppleInsider, may have introduced unintended bugs. For instance, iOS 18.5’s focus on refining Mail app functionality could have strained compatibility with certain email providers or network configurations, though this remains unverified.
Impact on Users
For tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, the Mail app’s unreliability disrupts productivity. The need for frequent reboots or workarounds undermines the seamless experience Apple typically aims for. As one Reddit user put it, “It’s frustrating to reboot four times a day just to check email.” The issue’s persistence, even weeks after the update, has fueled calls for a swift fix, with users turning to forums and social media for support.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s history of addressing software bugs suggests a patch, possibly iOS 18.5.1, could be in the works. Until then, users are left with temporary fixes or alternative apps. The issue highlights the challenges of rolling out feature-rich updates while maintaining stability across diverse devices and network environments. For now, affected users can try hard resets or explore third-party email apps as a stopgap.
As Apple prepares for WWDC 25, where iOS 26 and other updates will take center stage, ensuring robust app performance will be critical to maintaining user trust. The Mail app’s woes serve as a reminder that even minor updates can have outsized impacts on daily usability.
