https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_rot?wprov=sfti1 . Try reading this. If you are experiencing too many bugs try restoring phone using iTunes it usually fixes lot of issues. This due to upgrading phone directly on phone is not as clean as upgrading phone using external device which in this case is a computer which actually wipes the device and completely reinstalls os rather than upgrading existing os. Also I don’t think calling and threatening apple is what fixed his issue it’s probably placebo effect or he just simply restarted his phone which surprisingly fixes lot of issues not just phones but any kinda computer.

I’m using ESR with MagSafe and works like a charm….

you sure about that? I see a lot of modern Samsung's around in upper middle class

I thought iPhone's had more market share before

Use a normal stereo earphones. The buttons and microphone is shitty in aftermarket headsets cashing sort of problems like this.

I noticed charging becomes very slow when it reached 80-90%

You can Google and find the data. Here’s an example.

https://www.androidauthority.com/teens-prefer-apple-3149997/

When I switched from Android to an iPhone recently I had an issue where RCS texts were still going to my old Samsung phone. Presumably because iMessage doesn’t support RCS. I had to go to Google Messenger on my old phone and disable RCS for texts from my Android contacts to start going to my iPhone.

Oh. Did Verizon try to re-provision anything on their end?

You’re telling me that a young teen picks an iPhone because of their quality and longevity? Like they researched it? Lol. For real?

And even apple knows that the color of the chat bubbles matters and it how it locks people (teens) into the ecosystem. It’s also the reason they will not open up iMessages to Android. It’s a fact.

eSIM

I’m in the same boat and definitely recommend getting a pop socket. I used one on my last phone too (little hands). I ordered the magnetic socket but didn’t realize my new case doesn’t have a magnet in it so now I’m looking for a case that does. Make sure you get a case with a magnet not just one that says MagSafe compatible. I thought the same about the weight but that resolved itself and doesn’t bother me at all anymore.

Are you using a physical SIM or eSIM? Years ago when I had T-Mobile, was unable to receive most text messages. I finally went into a store and they gave me a new SIM card. The issue cleared up right away.

I've had issues somewhat recently sending SMS' to one contact in particular. Still unsure it that was an iOS or AT&T problem. Reset network settings and haven't seen the problem reappear in the past few days.

Starlight?

I would see if Verizon can re-provision the network on their end.

That’s the whole point of the feature.

Checked all of those. Yeah I’m going to have to contact Apple. Verizon told me to do everything I had already tried.

Poorly made headphones, stop buying cheap headphones. It’s probably a messed up wire or something

Yeah, didn’t help. :\

Have you tried turning off iMessage and testing?

You’re welcome! A 20W Anker charger will charge your phone much faster, guaranteed.

Spigen’s Ultra hybrid case is my go to for relatively slim protection while still being able to see my device.

Rhino shield makes a bumper case similar to the ones popular for the 4S back in the day

A couple other things to try:

Check your time and date in settings, is it correct? That can cause it not to work.

Check system/general/about

Is there an “update carrier settings”available? It would show up there if there is one.

Remove your SIM (if it’s a hardware sim) then put it back in.

If that doesn’t work it’s time to contact Apple.

Then charging daily makes sure you can survive a whole day.