Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are reported to have problems with Face ID's gaze detection, according to heise online. The German technology outlet published its report on Monday, 2 November 2026, linking the issue specifically to the two Pro models rather than the wider iPhone 18 lineup.
Gaze detection is the part of Face ID that checks whether a user's eyes are open and directed at the screen before the phone unlocks. heise online's headline identifies this eye-recognition function as the source of the trouble on both Pro devices. The report does not, in the material available, specify how many units are affected, what triggers the fault, or whether a software update could resolve it.
The report also gives no indication of whether Apple has acknowledged the problem or commented publicly. It is unclear from the coverage whether the issue appeared after launch, was present from the start, or is limited to particular regions or production batches. Readers should treat the scope of the problem as unconfirmed until Apple or the outlet provides further detail.
Face ID remains the primary biometric unlock method across Apple's recent iPhone generations, and any fault in its gaze check can affect how reliably the phone authenticates its owner. Owners of either Pro model who notice unusual behaviour are advised to follow official guidance rather than rely on unverified workarounds circulating online.
What to watch next: whether Apple issues a statement, support note or software fix addressing the reported gaze detection fault on the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
