iOS 18.2.1 Bricked both my iPhone SE 3 and iPad 10

Hi,

I have had exactly the same issue, but while updating from a PC. Suddenly iTunes indicated the same error message and the iPhone SE 2 was bricked.

I was able to go to previous state by myself (could not go to an Apple Store as there is not one close and I needed my iPhone very soon) with a combination of luck and procedures found online (and a lot of sweating!). Here is what I did in case someone else searches for the same thing :

• As the iPhone was stuck in the middle of the update, I had to force-restart it in recovery mode following Apple instructions (in my case, push volume up, volume down, then several seconds on side button).
• I went on my PC and deleted iOS 18.2.1 update file (in %AppData%/Apple Computer/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates), otherwised it tried restoring to that again and stuck me in an infinite loop...
• I plugged my iPhone to my PC with iTunes opened. I clicked on "cancel" when asking to restore. Then I clicked on "Restore" while pushing on SHIFT key (above CTRL at the left of the keyvoard). It asked me to provide a file with witch to restore.
• Luckily, I had a backup of iOS 18.2 update file (.ipws file in the same folder as indicated above, although it could be in your computer bin), so I selected that file (if you do not have such a backup, I am not sure whether you can find one from Apple servers... Otherwise you'll have to wait for Apple giving a link to it or maybe for the next update***). It restored all fine.
• Then as you might expect, I restored previous backup from iTunes, and my iPhone is all good now. I do not dare trying the update again, but I expect Apple will work onto this as I see more and more articles about this issue with some iPhones (includes SEs ones).

Hope this could help you. Good luck and all my sympathy!

Best,

Loufute

*** EDIT : apprently you can go to https://ipsw.me and select your device and the version you'd like. It is said to be safe, and when I tried just now, the download seemed to come from Apple severs (https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2024FallFCS/fullrestores/...) so I guess it is all fine (at your own risks, I would have been hesitant if I had not have a backup myself but if this is that or a brick...), but I'll let the moderation moderate me in case I am wrong.

I had a similar experience with my ipad 8th gen, ipad pro 11 inch and iphone se 3. All three devices got bricked when updating to the latest software. the two ipads got bricked when updating to 18.2 and the iphone when updating to 18.2.1. I had to visit a service center to restore the ipads, as advised by online support, and this cost me $55 per ipad. I will now have to visit the service center for the iphone. Not sure what will happen when I have to update my ipads to 18.2.1! Any solutions, other than visiting a service center, will be much appreciated. I am using the Apple Devices app to update since iTunes does not recognise the devices anymore.

I had a very similar experience with my iPhone 16 Pro Max and 18.2.1.

1. After waking up, I had to enter my PIN into my iPhone. I’m assuming this is due to 18.2.1 updating overnight.
2. After getting coffee, I attempted to launch the Notes app.
3. The iPhone displayed a black screen, followed by the Apple logo. Respring?
4. The Apple Logo went to a black screen. This loop occurred several times.
5. I then attempted to update via my M4 MacBook Pro. That failed with the below errors.

1. I then attempted a restore via my M4 MacBook Pro. That failed with the below errors. 

1. I then made an appt with Apple :(

I'll post my experience with the Genius bar when completed.

Thanks for the post.

My case was slightly different. I have SE2 and tried updating to 18.2 using Apple Devices app on Win11. It froze at "verifying with Apple server" during installation. I tried to reset the phone to no avail. I got stuck in recovery screen and the phone wouldn't respond to "upgrade" option. I'll abandon my PC with the backup on Apple Devices app for now.

On my laptop (separate device), I uninstalled Apple Devices app, uninstall iTunes completely. Reinstall iTunes from apple.com instead of Microsoft store. (link: iTunes for Windows Manuals and Downloads - Apple Support ) After installing the iTunes, it allowed me to recover the phone on my laptop. It went through and did update, but the phone was now in factory default settings. I took the iPhone and hooked it up to the PC this time and I was fortunately able to recover the data from the backup through Apple Devices app + backup data before the phone froze.

10/10 would not recommend using Apple Devices app for updates.

This seems to be a problem primarily with SE 2 & 3 iPhones. I have several family members who have updated other phones without this problem. However, it quickly transformed my SE 3 into a $400 paperweight. Apple Support chats (3) were of no help. I finally gave up and gave in: new iPhone 16 @ $1,000.

I bought a one-month subscription to Passvers iOS System Recovery for just under $40 . It took about 45 minutes and it restored my SE 3 and installed iOS 18.2.1. Thank you so much for the suggestion! Unfortunately, in my desperation I had already sprung for a new phone. . ..

Was it the Apple Devices app from Microsoft that you used?

Apple replaced my phone. They first attempted a main board replacement, but it could not pass the final diagnostic test. Luckily, I had Apple Care.