Turn iPhone 16 from Running Slow to Fast with 9 Proven Solutions

Part 1: Why is My New iPhone 16 Slow? Is iPhone 16 Slower than iPhone 15?

Based on feedback from various forums, common issues reported with the iPhone 16 include:

• iPhone 16 slow or lagging performance
• Slow internet or Wi-Fi on iPhone 16
• Slow loading times on iPhone 16
• Choppy scrolling on iPhone 16
• Slow download speeds on iPhone 16

If you're wondering "why is my iPhone 16 so slow" or "why is my iPhone 16 lagging", there could be several reasons behind it. While the iPhone 16 is designed to be faster and more efficient than the iPhone 16 with the new A18 Pro chipset, certain factors can affect its performance.

• Background Apps: Too many apps running simultaneously can slow down your device.
• Low Storage: Insufficient storage space can lead to slower performance and lag.
• Outdated Software: Running an outdated iOS version can cause compatibility issues and slowdowns.
• App Optimization: Newly updated apps may not be fully optimized for the latest iOS version, leading to performance issues.
• Software Conflicts: Background processes or bugs may cause the device to lag.
• Overheating device: If your phone has gotten too hot, it may dial down the performance to cool down, slowing itself down in the process.

Part 2: Fix iPhone 16 Slow, Make iPhone 16 Faster with 8 Tips

Here are several fixes you can try to solve the iPhone 16 running slow problem.

Fix 1: Force Restart Your iPhone 16

If your iPhone 16 Pro Max slow and lagging, a force restart can help resolve temporary glitches or performance issues. It's the first fix we recommend since it has no compromises and is very easy to do.

Force restarting your iPhone 16 Pro Max can clear out minor software bugs and refresh the system, which might improve its performance if it's been running slow.

• Quickly Press and Release the Volume Up Button.
• Quickly Press and Release the Volume Down Button.

• Hold Down the Power Button until you see the Apple logo.

  

Fix 2: Update iOS System Version

If you're looking for how to speed up iPhone 16 Pro Max (or 16), updating the iOS system version can help improve performance. Keeping your iOS system up to date can optimize your iPhone's performance and fix any bugs that might be slowing it down.

You might think that your new iPhone 16 already has the latest iOS 18 system installed, but it's possible that Apple has released a new version of iOS 18 to address specific bugs.

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap on "General."
• Select "Software Update."
• If an update is available, tap "Download and Install."
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
  

Fix 3: Update Apps to the Latest Version

Your iPhone 16 Pro Max slow even after the above fixes? Updating your apps to the latest version can help improve performance.

Updating your apps ensures they are optimized for the latest iOS version, which can help speed up your iPhone 16 Pro Max.

• Open the "App Store" on your iPhone.
• Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
• Scroll down to see available updates.

• Tap "Update All" to update all apps, or update individual apps by tapping "Update" next to each one.

  

Fix 4: Free Up Storage

Freeing up storage can significantly improve its performance. It’s one of the most effective fixes if your phone is very low on storage.

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap on "General."
• Select "iPhone Storage."
• Review the list of apps and data to see what’s taking up the most space.

• Delete unnecessary apps, large files, or offload unused apps to free up space.

  

Freeing up storage ensures your iPhone has enough space to run efficiently, reducing lag and improving overall performance.

Fix 5: Check Background Apps

If your iPhone 16 series is running slow, checking and managing background apps can help improve its speed.

• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the app switcher.
• Swipe left or right to see all the open apps.

• Swipe up on each app’s preview to close the ones you’re not using.

  

Additionally, you can manage Background App Refresh to further enhance performance:

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap on "General."
• Select "Background App Refresh."

• Review the list of apps and toggle off any that you don’t need running in the background.

  

Turning off Background App Refresh for unwanted apps can free up resources and extend battery life, making your iPhone 16 run more efficiently.

Fix 6: Cool Down Your iPhone 16

If your iPhone 16 series is running slow, overheating could be the cause. Cooling down your device can help restore its performance.

• Remove any case that might be trapping heat.
• Avoid using your iPhone in direct sunlight or hot environments.
• Close all unnecessary apps and give your phone a break to cool down.
• If your iPhone feels very hot, turn it off for a few minutes to allow it to cool down completely.
• Avoid charging your iPhone while using processor-intensive apps, as this can increase the temperature.

Fix 7: Check Network Speed

If your iPhone 16 series is acting slow while doing something online, it may be due to network speed. Checking and improving your network speed can help enhance your device's performance.

• Test your network speed using an app like Speedtest.
• Switch between WiFi and cellular data to see if one is faster.
• Move closer to the router if you're on Wi-Fi.
• Restart your router to refresh the connection.
• Disable VPNs or proxies if they are in use.

Fix 8: Reset Your iPhone

Resetting your iPhone is one of the last fixes. But be noted that this erases your data. Here's how to do it:

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Tap on "General."
• Scroll down and select "Reset" or "Transfer or Reset iPhone."

• Choose "Reset All Settings" or "Erase All Content and Settings" (this will erase everything, so make sure to back up your data first). Confirm your choice and follow the on-screen instructions.

  

Ultimate Fix: Speed up iPhone 16 by Repairing iOS Software

If nothing works, there’s one final fix you could try to speed up iPhone 16 series: repair your iOS system with Tenorshare ReiBoot. ReiBoot provides a reliable and efficient method for optimizing iPhones, including the latest iPhone 16 models. As a professional iOS recovery tool, ReiBoot addresses more than 150+ performance issues —such as system errors, crashes, and outdated software—helping your iPhone 16 run more smoothly.

• Download and install ReiBoot on your PC or Mac. Open ReiBoot. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable. Choose Start Repair.

  

• Choose “Standard Repair” from the main page and then click the repair button to continue.

  

• Select “Download” to download the iOS system firmware. Wait for the download to complete, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.

  

• Once the repair is complete, your iPhone 16 system will run more smoothly than before.

  

ReiBoot iOS system repair video guide

More iPhone 16 Slow Issues Fixed Here

1. iPhone 16 wifi/internet slow

Make sure you’re connected to a fast internet connection. This ensures internet activities work as fast as they should.

2. iPhone 16 Charging slow

If your phone is charging slow, make sure to use an original Apple charger, and help your phone stay cool by charging it in a cool room.

3. iPhone 16 keyboard slow

If you’re using any third-party keyboard, switch back to iOS keyboard and try again.

Conclusion

You can start by restarting your iPhone 16 and closing unnecessary apps. Free up the storage by deleting unwanted apps and media. If you don’t need an app running in the background, turn off its Background App Refresh. Lastly, if no fix works, you can optimize your iOS system using Tenorshare ReiBoot.