Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup has finally arrived, drawing long lines of eager customers around the world. But while enthusiasm for the new models remains high, some of the first buyers are already running into problems that are overshadowing the initial buzz.
Camera Bug Surfaces on New Models
One of the earliest and most widely reported issues involves the cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the newly introduced iPhone Air. Reviewers noticed that when a bright LED display points directly into the lens, portions of the image turn completely black. Apple has acknowledged the bug and confirmed that a software fix is coming, though the company has not provided a release date for the update.
iOS 26 Complaints Add to the Heat
The new iPhones ship with iOS 26, which has also been drawing criticism. Users have pointed out rapid battery drain, unexpected overheating, and sluggish performance, sometimes within hours of activating their devices. Apple responded by saying that these problems are temporary. According to the company, after a major update the system needs extra time to finish background tasks like indexing files, updating apps, and downloading new assets. This additional workload can cause short-term performance issues, but Apple insists they should improve once the phone finishes its setup process.
The company also reassured customers that while some of iOS 26’s newest features are more resource-intensive, future software updates will be focused on optimizing battery life and speed.
Mixed Reactions to Liquid Glass Design
Another talking point is the debut of “Liquid Glass,” Apple’s new design language for iOS. Promoted as a sleek, futuristic refresh, it introduces tilted icons and shifting visual effects. While some users praise the bold change, others complain that the new visuals are distracting or difficult to read. A few even say the constant movement causes discomfort or motion sickness, raising questions about whether Apple may need to adjust the design in future updates.
A Familiar Launch Story for Apple
Despite these early hiccups, the iPhone 17 launch has been a commercial success. Crowds turned out at Apple Stores from New York to Tokyo, underlining the enduring pull of the brand. For Apple, the real challenge now lies in how quickly it can resolve the bugs and smooth out the early frustrations. If history is any guide, a series of software patches will likely stabilize the experience — but until then, some buyers may be left questioning whether the cutting edge sometimes comes with sharper edges than expected.