Apple is "aware of" an issue preventing the GarageBand app from opening on iOS 11 for some users, and "investigating solutions," according to a new support document published on its website on Thursday.

garageband app
If the GarageBand app won't open after updating your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to iOS 11, Apple says to turn off iCloud for GarageBand on the device in Settings > Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes & App Store > iCloud.

After toggling off the feature, you won't be able to access any GarageBand songs stored in iCloud Drive until this issue is fixed, but they won't be removed from iCloud. New songs will be saved to your device locally.

Several users have reported the app crashing upon being opened on Twitter and the MacRumors discussion forums, but it doesn't affect everyone. MacRumors hasn't been able to reproduce the problem on multiple devices.


GarageBand is free on the App Store [Direct Link] for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Top Rated Comments

Scottsoapbox Avatar
107 months ago
There times I wonder if Apple software engineers actually use Apple products.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gatearray Avatar
107 months ago
If only Apple made the hardware, operating system, and software itself then things like this wouldn't happen! X-)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
107 months ago
This annual IOS upgrade cycle clearly isn't feasible. No matter how many bugs the next OS is riddled with, it's going to ship and be force downloaded to millions of iDevices every October... cockroaches & all. I wish they would stop kidding themselves and just release a new iOS when it's ready.

If that doesn't fit in with their frenetic upgrade cycle, just freaking let us TURN OFF THE DAMN NAG SCREENS TO UPDATE. (pretty please... with a cherry on top)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zedsdead Avatar
107 months ago
What about music memos. Once you record a track and try to save it it freezes.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scottsoapbox Avatar
107 months ago
It’s kind of hard for developers to simulate all possible real life scenarios/conditions in advance when it comes to eliminating bugs.
How about the Music app that is incapable of keeping the currently in use playlist on the screen?

The Settings toggles lists that work fine if you have 20 apps but are laughable at 500 apps?

Basic functionality still missing from iCloud Calendar?

Or iTunes? Seriously. Does anyone at Apple ever use iTunes? It is a hot mess.


... and "all possible real scenarios/conditions". :rolleyes:
You mean opening Apple's own software on the handful of devices that can actually run iOS 11? This isn't a crash that only happens on iPhone 3GS running outdated third party software under some rarely used menu. This is opening Apple's own apps on current devices running the current iOS. Is Apple's Quality Assurance some dude that only works for 2 hours every 3rd Tuesday? It's embarrassing.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
107 months ago
Pathetic. Tim needs to see what is going on with his company. Stop taking excuses.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 17 models

No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest

Thursday January 1, 2026 8:43 am PST by
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest...
duolingo ad live activity

Duolingo Used iPhone's Dynamic Island to Display Ads, Violating Apple Design Guidelines

Friday January 2, 2026 1:36 pm PST by
Language learning app Duolingo has apparently been using the iPhone's Live Activity feature to display ads on the Lock Screen and the Dynamic Island, which violates Apple's design guidelines. According to multiple reports on Reddit, the Duolingo app has been displaying an ad for a "Super offer," which is Duolingo's paid subscription option. Apple's guidelines for Live Activity state that...
Clicks Communicator Feature

'Clicks Communicator' Unveiled — Will You Carry This With Your iPhone?

Friday January 2, 2026 6:35 am PST by
The company behind the BlackBerry-like Clicks Keyboard accessory for the iPhone today unveiled a new Android 16 smartphone called the Clicks Communicator. The purpose-built device is designed to be used as a second phone alongside your iPhone, with the intended focus being communication over content consumption. It runs a custom Android launcher that offers a curated selection of messaging...
Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature Pink

Apple's 2026 Low-Cost A18 Pro MacBook: What We Know So Far

Friday January 2, 2026 4:33 pm PST by
Apple is planning to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, which will apparently compete with more affordable Chromebooks and Windows PCs. Apple's most affordable Mac right now is the $999 MacBook Air, and the upcoming low-cost MacBook is expected to be cheaper. Here's what we know about the low-cost MacBook so far. Size Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will have a display that's around 13 ...
Low Cost MacBook Feature A18 Pro

Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

Friday January 2, 2026 9:08 am PST by
Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce. In a press release this week, the Taiwanese research firm said this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing." TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more...
Apple Fitness Plus hero

Apple Announces New Fitness+ Workout Programs, Strava Challenge, and More

Friday January 2, 2026 6:43 am PST by
Apple today announced a number of updates to Apple Fitness+ and activity with the Apple Watch. The key announcements include: New Year limited-edition award: Users can win the award by closing all three Activity Rings for seven days in a row in January. "Quit Quitting" Strava challenge: Available in Strava throughout January, users who log 12 workouts anytime in the month will win an ...
govee floor lamp

CES 2026: Govee Announces New Matter-Connected Ceiling and Floor Lights

Sunday January 4, 2026 5:00 am PST by
Govee today introduced three new HomeKit-compatible lighting products, including the Govee Floor Lamp 3, the Govee Ceiling Light Ultra, and the Govee Sky Ceiling Light. The Govee Floor Lamp 3 is the successor to the Floor Lamp 2, and it offers Matter integration with the option to connect to HomeKit. The Floor Lamp 3 offers an upgraded LuminBlend+ lighting system that can reproduce 281...
Belkin 25W Battery magnetic

CES 2026: Belkin Announces Magnetic Ring Power Bank, Modular Dock, and More

Sunday January 4, 2026 3:02 pm PST by
Belkin today announced a range of new charging and connectivity accessories at CES 2026, expanding its portfolio of products aimed at Apple device users. UltraCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Magnetic Ring The lineup includes new Qi2 and Qi2.2 wireless chargers, magnetic power banks, a high-capacity laptop battery, and USB-C productivity accessories, with an emphasis on higher charging...