Have you updated to Apple’s iOS 18.4? If so, you may have noticed an unusual issue—previously deleted apps are unexpectedly reappearing on your iPhone. Numerous users have reported that apps and games they uninstalled months or even years ago are reappearing after installing the update, leading to confusion and frustration.
This unusual glitch was reported almost immediately after the iOS 18.4 update was released on Monday, with discussions quickly gaining traction on Reddit and Apple’s support forums. The issue has drawn attention across the tech community, raising concerns about the stability of Apple’s recent software updates.
This is not the first time an iOS update has caused unexpected data restoration. A similar issue occurred with iOS 17.5, when deleted photos mysteriously reappeared in users’ galleries. The recurrence of such incidents suggests a possible underlying issue with how Apple’s updates handle previously removed content.
Initially, users speculated that the Automatic Downloads feature—which installs apps purchased on other devices—might be responsible. However, this theory was quickly dismissed, as many affected users reported owning only a single Apple device. In addition to this, the issue is occurring on iPhones that have never been jailbroken or connected to third-party app stores, making the cause even more puzzling.
Users have shared reports of apps like Last War Survival, Dropbox, and various games, including Squid Game-themed titles, unexpectedly reinstalling. While some suspect the bug may be limited to specific iPhone models or regions, the consistent pattern remains that previously deleted apps are returning without user intervention. Since Apple has yet to provide an explanation or a fix, the only current solution is to manually delete any unwanted apps that reappear.
This situation highlights how even routine software updates can introduce unexpected issues. As Apple continues expanding features like Apple Intelligence and Visual Intelligence for newer iPhones, the company faces growing pressure to resolve these glitches promptly. Until Apple addresses the problem, users experiencing this issue should remain vigilant and remove any unwanted apps as they appear.
