How To Review iOS 26 on iPhone 12 Pro Max

Getting the latest iOS update always brings a mix of curiosity and maybe a little dread, especially when it’s one of the big ones like iOS 26. People are excited about the new features, but experienced users also know that sometimes, the upgrade can introduce bugs or performance hits. If you’re running an iPhone 12 Pro Max and wondering whether to dive right in or hold back, this overview might help you figure out what’s worth jumping on — or what might be better to wait out.

Just a heads-up: these updates often come with a hefty download (~7.72 GB on this one), and not all users are happy with how their device handles afterward. So, understanding what the new stuff does and the potential pitfalls can make the decision easier. Now, onto what actually changed and whether it’s all good news or more problems in disguise.

How to Fix Common iOS 26 Performance Glitches on Your iPhone 12 Pro Max

Fix 1: Restart Your Device Properly

This sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly effective. Sometimes, after updating, the system gets a little overwhelmed. Giving your iPhone a good restart can clear out minor glitches. Hold down the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears, then slide to turn off. Wait a few seconds and hold the side button again to turn it back on.

Why it helps: It’s a quick way to refresh the system and clear out any post-update hiccups. Worst case, it doesn’t fix the deep-seated issues, but it’s worth trying first.

On some setups, this fails the first time, then magically works after a reboot or two. Not sure why, but it’s a common pattern.

Fix 2: Reset All Settings (Without Losing Data)

If your phone’s feeling sluggish or some apps are crashing, resetting settings might do the trick. Head to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. No data gets wiped here, just your preferences like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and system settings.

Why do this? Because some update settings might conflict with how your device is trying to run things. Resetting forces it to reconfigure from scratch, often fixing weird slowdowns or UI glitches.

Yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle to redo some prefs, but seen it fix performance and UI bugs more than once. On one setup, it cleared up lag while scrolling in apps.

Fix 3: Check for Pending App or System Updates

After a major system update like this, devs often roll out bugfix updates. Jump into App Store > Profile icon > Available Updates and install anything waiting. Same with your iOS itself—go to Settings > General > Software Update and see if a minor patch has been released.

This can fix compatibility issues and patch some performance bugs linked to the update. Sometimes, the lag or glitchiness is just because an app hasn’t caught up with iOS 26 yet.

Pro tip: Do this over Wi-Fi, and make sure you have enough battery—or just plug in.

Fix 4: Clear Storage and Offload Unused Apps

iOS updates can sometimes slow things down if your storage is clogged. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete apps you don’t use, clear cache-heavy apps like Safari data, and consider offloading apps that you need but aren’t using right now.

Less clutter means less strain on the system, which can help with sluggishness.”One weird fix I saw in forums: some people claim turning off Storage Optimization in Photos helps. Worth a shot.

Fix 5: Factory Reset (As a Last Resort)

If all else fails and your iPhone is still all over the place, a factory reset might be the last resort. Head to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Make sure you back up first — either through iCloud or iTunes. Usually, a clean install can shake off stubborn bugs that bester updates leave behind.

Note: Only do this if you’re comfortable setting up the phone again. Sometimes, it’s just easier to wipe and start fresh if performance is really bad.

Anyway, these are some quick ways to troubleshoot performance issues after the iOS 26 update. Honestly, some of the glitches seem to fade after a few days or reboots as the system settles, but if not, these fixes are solid places to start.

Summary

• Restart your iPhone after updating.
• Reset all settings without losing data.
• Check for app and iOS updates regularly.
• Clean up storage to free resources.
• Consider a factory reset if nothing else works (backup first).

Wrap-up

Overall, iOS 26 has some pretty cool features, especially with the new Liquid Glass UI and improved messaging options, but it’s still a mixed bag on performance for some users. With the right troubleshooting tricks, most of the lag and glitches can be sorted out. Just keep in mind that sometimes, waiting for subsequent patches might be the safer move—especially if your device’s stability is crucial.

Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Fingers crossed this helps!