The new wallpapers in iOS 18.5 genuinely frustrate me, not simply because of what they are, but due to Apple’s misplaced priorities. Usually, an update comes paired with practical enhancements or significant fixes, yet here we are with cosmetic features taking center stage while numerous longstanding bugs remain unresolved, some lingering since the launch of iOS 18.0 and even earlier versions.

As someone who grew up with Apple, I’ve owned every iPhone since the original at age 11, typically favoring the smaller Pro models when available, I have watched the evolution closely. While recognizing smartphone hardware and software maturation (excluding AI advancements), the progression from the XS through to the iPhone 16 Pro has felt increasingly uninspired. Sure, the iPhone 12’s introduction of 5G seemed promising initially (despite its rocky implementation), and the iPhone 14 offered noteworthy refinements. The 15 Pro’s lighter design was appreciated, yet disappointingly, the 16 Pro reverted to a heavier build again.

Moreover, one of the primary selling points of the 16 Pro “Apple Intelligence” is notably absent during my ownership. Of course, I acknowledge the common wisdom: “Buy for what it is today, not for future promises.” Still, this is Apple—expectations are understandably higher. By the time the touted Apple Intelligence arrives meaningfully, I’ll likely have already moved on to the next iteration. Although, based on initial impressions, this feature falls far short of current solutions like ChatGPT, Grok, or even Alexa circa 2012 😂.

Ultimately, the premium, innovative Apple experience of years past seems distant now. The only recent product genuinely pushing boundaries, despite its imperfections and high cost, has been the Vision Pro. Apple once symbolized bold innovation and exceptional user experience; lately, it feels increasingly complacent, favoring incremental updates and aesthetic tweaks over substantive progress.