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Apple still can't fix iPhone SMS bug, issues workaround


Owners of iPhones hit by a specially crafted text message that causes the phone's Messages app to crash may have to use this workaround for the moment.
 
Apple, in a support page dated May 28, also said it is working on a software update to address the problem.
 
"(W)e will make a fix available in a software update. Until the update is available, you can use these steps to re-open the Messages app," it said.
 
The steps are:
 
1. Ask Siri to "read unread messages."
2. Use Siri to reply to the malicious message. 3. After you reply, you'll be able to open Messages again.
4. In Messages, swipe left to delete the entire thread. Or tap and hold the malicious message, tap More, and delete the message from the thread.
 
A separate article on AppleInsider said the bug was discovered on Wednesday and is believed to be a code handling problem.
 
With the problem, iOS cannot correctly render the block of unicode characters.
 
"When the text string is sent from one iPhone to another, it sets off a cascade of processing errors that eat up memory and ultimately crashes Messages. In some cases Springboard also crashes, triggering an iPhone reboot sequence," it said.
 
Another workaround
 
AppleInsider also said users have found receiving a new message from the same sender halts the text rendering process for that conversation, "returning Messages to full functionality."
 
It said another alternative is for users to send themselves a picture or message using an app supporting Share Sheets. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News