iPhone 13 Frozen for Weeks... Will iOS 15.2 Next Week Be the Solution?

No Direct Mention of New Update Reception Issues
Some Users Respond Positively to Beta Version
600-Member Open Chat Room Amid Apple and LG Uplus Dispute

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As the controversy over the unexplained iPhone 13 freezing issue continues for weeks, attention is focused on whether the iOS 15.2 firmware update, expected to be announced as early as next week, will provide a solution.

According to industry sources on the 12th, Apple released iOS 15.2 RC2 (19C57), a beta software program for developers and testers of the iPhone 13 device, on the 10th (local time). This came just three days after the distribution of the previous version, iOS 15.2 RC (19C56), suggesting that Apple is making corrections before the final release. Typically, Apple releases several beta versions and then presents the final public version based on user feedback collected during this process.

Unlike the emergency release of iOS 15.1.1 a month ago, this update does not directly mention the reception issues of the iPhone 13 in South Korea. Instead, it focuses on minor feature changes related to the usage of the App Privacy Report, communication safety settings, Apple Music, Apple ID, Camera, TV app, and Maps. Previously, when Apple released iOS 15.1.1 on the 17th of last month (local time), it explained that the update was intended to "improve call drop issues on iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models," but the problem was not resolved.

On the 8th, when Apple's 'iPhone 13' series was officially released in Korea, citizens were entering the Apple Store Garosugil branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul to purchase the product.

In this situation, affected consumers in South Korea are pinning faint hopes on Apple's firmware update. Searching for 'iOS 15.2 RC2' in the online community 'Asamo,' where Apple device users such as iPhone and iPad owners gather, yields many posts asking about the possibility of resolving the iPhone 13 reception issue. One user wrote, "I am using the 'iPhone 13 Pro Max,' but calls and texts do not work to the extent that it disrupts daily life," and asked, "I am in a hurry to try the RC version; is it okay?" Some users responded positively, saying, "The call issue seems to have improved somewhat." However, beta versions carry the risk of various errors, so it is essential to check the target device model and back up data before downloading.

Since last month, some iPhone 13 series users have experienced a phenomenon where their phones do not ring even when receiving calls from others, and the caller is shown as missed or receives a message saying "Cannot answer the call." Many of these users are LG Uplus customers, and customers of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) such as Livem (Live Mobile), which use the carrier's network, are also reporting similar difficulties. Some users expressed frustration, saying, "It's like carrying around a 1 million won brick." SK Telecom and KT have distanced themselves from the issue, stating that "no customer complaints have been received."

LG Uplus reported the problem to the manufacturer Apple and Qualcomm immediately after recognizing the issue, but neither the manufacturer nor the carrier has identified the specific cause. As a temporary measure, LG Uplus set up a dedicated consultation window earlier this month and is lending 'iPhone 12 Pro 512G' devices free of charge exclusively to iPhone 13 users. While the manufacturer and carrier shift responsibility to each other, the number of domestic victims continues to grow, with the 'iPhone Reception Issue Victims Group' Open Chat room reaching around 600 members as of this date. Since the first complaint was filed with the Ministry of Science and ICT on November 24, about 13 related complaints have been received by December 7. On the other hand, no complaints have been confirmed to have been filed with the Korea Communications Commission.

The official version of the new firmware for iPhone 13, iOS 15.2, will be released soon. The IT specialist magazine 9to5Mac predicted, "The new public software version could be distributed as early as next week."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.