iOS 27.0.1 is out: Face ID reboot fix for iPhone 18 Pro

The software fix Apple promised for the iPhone 18 Pro Face ID reboot bug is here. On September 28, 2026, Apple released iOS 27.0.1. If you are already on the iOS 27 train, this is the build to install.

Last week we covered Apple’s “fix coming next week” confirmation in iPhone 18 Pro Face ID reboot bug: software fix coming. That story was about waiting. This one is about installing.

MacRumors published Apple’s release-note bullets for the update (MacRumors coverage of iOS 27.0.1). Quote the official list accurately:

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate
A color artifact may appear on photos captured at 2x under certain lighting conditions at f/1.48 on a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices
Opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive

Same-day notes from MacRumors also mention companion iPadOS 27.0.1 and visionOS 27.0.1 packages, plus the separate iOS / iPadOS 26.7.1 security train for people who did not move to 27. Do not mix those up. The CoreGraphics security update for stay-put 26 devices is our CVE-2026-86950 article.

Who needs this most

Highest priority: anyone on an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max who hit the freeze-and-reboot pattern after a failed in-app Face ID attempt (or who wants to stop worrying about it). That was the bug Apple told 9to5Mac it would fix in software.

Still worth installing: every iPhone that can run iOS 27. MacRumors notes the update is available for all iOS 27-capable iPhones, not only the Pro models. The photo color-artifact and Notification Center / Control Center touchscreen fixes are useful even if Face ID never misbehaved on your unit.

If you never upgraded to iOS 27 and are still on iOS 26, this package is not your lane. Stay on the 26.x security updates (right now that means the 26.7.1 CoreGraphics fix) until you choose to move majors.

How to install and verify

Plug in (or keep battery comfortable) and use Wi-Fi.
Open Settings → General → Software Update.
Install iOS 27.0.1 when offered.
Let the phone restart when the update finishes.
Confirm under Settings → General → About that the version shows 27.0.1.

That About check matters. A finished download with an old process still running is not the same as a completed update. About is the receipt.

If Software Update still only offers 27.0.0 the first time you look, wait and check again. Apple stages releases. Do not sideload mystery IPSW files from a forum thread.

What should feel different after

Failed in-app Face ID should no longer be a reboot lottery on 18 Pro / Pro Max.
You can stop treating “Try Face ID Again” like a dangerous button for this specific bug. Passcode is still fine whenever you prefer it.
If you were seeing odd 2x photo color artifacts at f/1.48 on a small number of Pro units, this build is Apple’s fix line for that too.
If Notification Center and Control Center opening together froze touch input, install this before you invent elaborate gesture workarounds.

Hardware swaps for this specific Face ID reboot bug were already the wrong move once Apple confirmed a software fix. With 27.0.1 shipping, update first. Separate hardware problems (cracked glass, battery issues, Face ID that never worked on the lock screen from day one) are still a normal Apple Support conversation.

Do this / don’t do that

Install iOS 27.0.1 from Software Update, then verify About shows 27.0.1.
Prioritize 18 Pro / Pro Max units that rebooted after failed Face ID, then finish the rest of the household phones on iOS 27.
Keep normal backup habits (iCloud or computer) before and after the update.
If you also bought a new Apple Watch, keep an eye on watchOS stability updates in the Watch app (related theme from the earlier Face ID reporting week).

Don’t

Do not confuse iOS 27.0.1 with iOS 26.7.1. One is the 27 stability train. The other is the stay-put 26 security train for CoreGraphics.
Do not leave the restart pending because the download bar finished.
Do not chase a hardware replacement solely for the in-app Face ID reboot bug before you install this build.
Do not assume iPadOS or visionOS updates installed themselves because your iPhone did. Check each device.

Bottom line

Apple shipped iOS 27.0.1 on September 28, 2026 with release notes that fix unexpected restarts on iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max when Face ID fails to authenticate, plus a limited 2x photo color-artifact issue and a Notification Center + Control Center touchscreen freeze (MacRumors summary of Apple’s notes). This is the follow-up to our September “fix coming” piece. On any iOS 27 phone: Settings → General → Software Update, install, confirm About shows 27.0.1. If you stayed on iOS 26, use the 26.7.1 security update instead of hunting for 27.0.1.

Image: Soft landscape hero for the Face ID fix follow-up (no device mockups).