Why is my new iPhone 16 not turning on?

Science-Curmudgeon, maybe you could clarify your statement: "I can always recreate the issue on power up by pressing the power button and releasing it before the apple logo appears." The OP is talking about a problem experienced by hundreds reporting here that the iPhone appears just dead, no matter how long or short you hold the power button. That is, unless you discover the kludgy workaround of the multiple, carefully timed series of key presses that Apple itself has not announced or documented.

Are you saying that if you release the power button before the apple logo appears, then the phone is dead to any subsequent power button presses until you do the multiple key presses in quick succession? This would be serious, since accidentally letting up the power button too soon happens to all of us sometimes.

I originally had the OP's problem exactly. Somehow, after one or another iOS updates (written about earlier by me), the problem disappeared for good. Now, if I don't hold the power button long enough to see the Apple logo, it doesn't cause any problem. I just hold it again until I see the logo and get a normal startup.

To clarify, I have three times replicated the bad start condition by pressing and releasing the power button prior to the logo appearing. Each time it is then in the will not start condition until I use the up/down volume push sequence. That has always gotten the phone started but I do then have to wait a long time for the logo to appear (10-20 seconds). My previous dinosaur iPhone 8+ had no such issue. I didn't need to hold the power button longer than a second or two to start it after being powered down. My wife has an iPhone 15, and it also does not have this issue at all, just the iPhone 16. Given that they use the same software, I suspect an issue specific to the iPhone 16.

Just had the same problem with my 3 day old 16e (18.3.2). Read about this problem here - tried the up/down/side workaround and it worked the first time (the phone started up). Happy it worked, but concerned the problem will come back in a worse way if there is some inherent problem or flaw in the phone.

Well, this is a user-to-user forum, so no one can answer any question that begins with Why and also cannot answer any question about Apple’s future plans.

It is obviously an issue, but on a vanishingly small number of devices. So the best thing to do is contact Apple Support.

One suggestion I just had from another user who had this problem: it’s possible that the iPhone is working, but the screen is not lighting. They were able to swipe up on the black screen, which then turned on and unlocked with Face ID.

I had the same problem of iPhone 16 not turning on. The first one was returned to an Apple store soon after its introduction. The clerks there could not turn it on and I was given a new one, free. Apparently the problem was new to them. Now I learned the “3-step “ solution to turn it on, for my second iPhone 16. But, why does the problem start in the first place? I believe there are many people experiencing the same issue. Apple should fix it.

fat1968 wrote:

I had the same problem of iPhone 16 not turning on. The first one was returned to an Apple store soon after its introduction. The clerks there could not turn it on and I was given a new one, free. Apparently the problem was new to them. Now I learned the “3-step “ solution to turn it on, for my second iPhone 16. But, why does the problem start in the first place? I believe there are many people experiencing the same issue. Apple should fix it.

You are correct, it is not normal to require frequent forced restarts or for iPhones to shut down randomly. Yet most iPhone 16’s do not have this problem; it may be a manufacturing defect in some 16’s. Mine has never exhibited this, but there have been an unusually large number of posts about it. You should contact Apple Support and open a support case; that puts you on record as having this problem, and also lets Apple compile reports of the issue.

Apple’s formal support can be reached several ways

• You can provide feedback to Apple at→ Product Feedback - Apple where your issue or suggestion will be recorded, tracked and matched with similar reports, but you will not get a reply

For personalized support

Best way: 

• Install the Apple Support app on your iPhone or iPad - you can contact support directly from the app, and the tech will have (with your permission) access to diagnostic data on your device

Other options:

• • Click on “Support” at the top or bottom of this page
  • Go to Contact Official Apple Support

(Note that both of the above have options to receive a callback or chat)

• • Call Apple Support; the phone numbers are in this link→Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
  • Make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store→Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
  • Find an Apple store or Apple partner service provider→Find Locations

Randysea wrote:

Since I updated to iOS 18.2.1, the problem has not recurred. I have tried leaving my 16 plugged into the charger all night but turned off, fully charged but not plugged in, etc. Nothing triggers the problem.

Coincidence, sunspots, or ?? Anyway, I'm glad not to have any problem with my iPhone not turning on. Fingers slightly crossed, of course.

While it is called an iPhone, it is actually a very powerful pocket-sized computer that can incidentally make phone calls. And like all computers, it will crash occasionally, and that’s what happened. To minimize the probability of that happening it may pay to restart it occasionally→Restart your iPhone - Apple Support

And you don’t need to turn it off while it is charging; in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Continue charging overnight, and be sure to enable automatic backups.

Randysea wrote:

I did follow your instructions and upvoted them, too. It works but isn't a permanent fix to an ongoing problem.

When I got my replacement 16 Pro, I let it immediately update to 18.2. I've had two "not turning on" events since then. The second was this morning. Most of the time (in two weeks) it's started normally.

OK, so let’s check for other things that can cause iOS to freeze:

• Do you have any apps installed that purport to make your phone safer from hacking, an antivirus, an app that says it will speed up your phone, one that claims to “clean” it, or to manage memory?
• Do you have a VPN installed?
• Any apps that are “traditionally” unstable, such as Facebook or Facebook messenger?

AverageMick wrote:

When I called support they told me to update my software on my weeks new phone did that.

2 weeks later, it won't turn on with any number of learned truck tries.

• Press and quickly release VOLUME UP

     then

• Press and quickly release VOLUME DOWN

     then

• Hold the SIDE button until an Apple logo appears (15-30 seconds), ignoring "slide to power off" if it appears

The operative word here is QUICKLY; and try it a couple of times, the timing is a little tricky. If done correctly this will always work unless the phone has a hardware problem. 

I have an appointment at 1:40 this afternoon to have them diagnose my phone. This is the third time it didn’t turn on after charging it overnight.

Any resolution to the problem at your appt?

Every problem is a known problem.

You’re welcome! Glad I could help.

This worked for me. Thank you!

THIS WORKS MAKE SURE YOU FOLLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO IT QUICKLY MINES JUSTT CAME BACK ON!!! (iPhone 16 pro max)