Apple iOS 16 update causing Spotlight search to lag for some (potential workaround inside)

Most Apple devices come with a built-in intelligent search feature called Spotlight, which is designed to search through apps and files to help users quickly find what they’re looking for.

The Spotlight search feature is typically accessed by swiping the Home Screen down which in turn brings up the search interface.

Apple iOS 16 Spotlight search lag

However, many iPhone users (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are reporting an issue where their Spotlight search feature appears slow or lags after updating to iOS 16.

Any other iPhone users on iOS 16 finding Spotlight search unresponsive when searching for an app because I’ll type in the name and it does nothing quite a bit. Kinda bothersome.
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I use search on the phone to quickly pull up apps I have hidden or are several screens away. When I pull down and type to search, it takes sometimes 10+ seconds for apps to begin to appear in the search. They used to be almost instantaneous.
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Prior to the iOS 16 update, a Spotlight search for apps and various features was pretty instantaneous but a typical search now takes more than 5 seconds to load results.

The issue is quite frustrating for users as sometimes certain apps don’t even appear in the Spotlight search or App Library.

It seems that users have been experiencing lag in Spotlight search ever since the iOS 15 update. The issue was there in the iOS 16 beta phase too which seemingly continues to exist in the stable version as well.

Potential workaround

Fortunately, there is a workaround that can help you fix the problem. But it requires affected users to reset all their device settings.

If spotlight (search) is not working after iOS 16, resetting your home screen via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout will solve the problem. But before you do that, get the SS of your screens. Then it gets annoying.
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Do note that Apple hasn’t yet commented on the issue where iOS 16 causes lag in Spotlight search.

We’ll keep tabs on further developments and update the article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple section, so make sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Apple

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