Apple News Fails to Load After Updating to iOS 18: Fixes for iPhone and iPad Users
Reading Time: 3 minutes After updating to iOS 18, many users have reported issues with the Apple News app failing to load. This problem primarily affects paid members and manifests as a spinning loading icon on the “Welcome to Apple News” screen before the app abruptly closes. This issue has been observed on both iPhones and iPads and particularly affects paid Apple News+ subscribers. For example, a lot of 7th generation iPad users are having this issue.
If you’re facing this issue, here are some fixes you can try:
We previously covered solutions for Apple News not working. If this method doesn’t resolve the issue, you can refer to that article for additional fixes.
Fix 1: Update to the Latest Version of iOS 18
Ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS 18. Apple often releases updates to address known bugs and improve app compatibility. To update your device:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Fix 2: Remove Interfering Apps or Profiles
Certain VPN, security, or firewall apps (e.g., Norton) can interfere with Apple News by disrupting the network stack. To resolve this:
- If you have a VPN app or a security app installed, temporarily uninstall it:
- Press and hold the app icon on your Home screen.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Check if any configuration profiles are installed:
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
- Remove any profiles if they’re not essential.
After resolving the issue, you can reinstall these apps if needed.
Fix 3: Re-enable Apple News in iCloud
Sometimes, toggling the Apple News status in iCloud settings can resolve the loading issue. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Toggle News off.
- Wait a few seconds and toggle it back on.
Fix 4: Adjust Your Region Settings
Incorrect region settings may also cause the app to malfunction. To reselect your region:
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region.
- Tap Region, select your current region again, and confirm.
Fix 5: Reinstall the Apple News App with a Specific Method
If the above fixes don’t work, follow these steps to reinstall the Apple News app:
- Turn off Apple News in iCloud:
- Open Settings and tap [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Toggle News off.
- Delete the Apple News app:
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App and confirm.
- Restart your device:
- On iPhone/iPad without a Home button: Press and hold the Side/Top button and either Volume button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device, then press and hold the Side/Top button to restart.
- On iPhone/iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Top button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off, then press and hold the Top button to restart.
- Reinstall Apple News:
- Go to the App Store and re-download the app.
- Disable Wi-Fi before opening the app:
- Turn off Wi-Fi in Settings or Control Center.
- Open the News app:
- A message will appear saying the app is not connected to the internet.
- Re-enable Wi-Fi:
- Turn Wi-Fi back on. The app should start syncing and load your content.
- Do not re-enable iCloud for Apple News:
- Re-enabling iCloud News might recreate the spinning loading issue.
These fixes should help you restore Apple News functionality on your iPhone or iPad. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Apple Support for additional assistance.
Related articles:
Thank you, Dr. Kurt. I, too, was unable to open the Apple News on my iPad after downloading iOS 18. Apple Support was not very supportive or informative. Your instructions worked perfectly.