Opinion: iOS 18.4 bug brings back zombie apps for some users

If you’ve recently upgraded to iOS 18.4 and old, long-deleted apps are mysteriously reappearing on your iPhone, you’re not alone. Reports on Reddit and Apple’s Community hub are buzzing with users experiencing the same issue. Some users are finding apps that they had once deleted, while others are discovering completely unknown apps on their devices.

Unexpected App Installations
One user shared their surprise after a Chinese game automatically installed itself on their phone after the update. Another user expressed confusion over a game they didn’t recognize, speculating that they may have downloaded it a while back. This strange phenomenon seems to be happening across various devices, including the latest iPhone models.

What to Do
For now, the best course of action might be to delete these “zombie” apps from your device until Apple addresses the issue. iOS 18.4 brought a range of updates, including new emoji, Apple Intelligence in more markets, and improvements to CarPlay and Apple News. Let’s hope Apple releases official information on this app resurrection mystery soon.