Update 04/10/24: A new iOS 18.0.1 update is rolling out with a fix for the Messages app crashing issue. In the release notes, Apple describes this bugfix as follows:
Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face
Original article follows:
If you’ve installed iOS 18 on your iPhone, you might want to watch out for this bug that could literally result in the Messages app crashing non-stop. Moreover, trying to fix the problem could result in you losing some important conversation.
So what’s going on? Well, the folks over at 9to5Mac report that if someone shares a watch face from an Apple Watch via iMessage, and you reply to the message using the threaded response feature, it’ll end up crashing the Messages app.
The publication also notes that users might not be able to respond or send messages to other people as well since the app keeps closing randomly. More importantly, you won’t even be able to open up the conversation and delete the threaded reply to the watch face, as the app will crash immediately.
Interestingly, if someone responds to the message on the iOS 18.1 beta build, it doesn’t crash the app. However, if someone replies to the shared watch face on iOS 18, then the app will crash on iOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta, and even iPadOS 18.1. I know, strange, but it is what it is.
At present, there’s no way to fix the problem apart from deleting the entire conversation. While this seems easy-peasy, it can be tricky. Remember, the Messages app does keep crashing, so you’ll have to be quick with those fingers to delete the conversation.
This will result in you losing out on all the chat history for that conversation. Even if you try restoring it from the recently deleted section of the Messages app, the app starts glitching again.
It’s likely that Apple will patch this bug with an upcoming update, although, there’s no official word about the bug yet. We’ll just have to wait and see how long that fix takes to arrive. In the meantime, remember not to reply to any shared watch face on the Messages app once you install iOS 18.
Dwayne Cubbins
395 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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