Apple’s iOS 12 update dropped Sept. 17 and was a much needed stability patch for the older generation of iPhones. The patch came with a host of new content, including 70+ emojis, Group Facetime with up to 32 people and a massive support patch to iron out current iPhone issues, as well as implement new Apple team projects.
With the release of iPhone XR, XS and XS Max, this support patch was aimed at improving the compatibility of new products with older models as well as updating older models. A glitch that caused panic within the Apple user community was caused by the iOS 12.0 patch.
The issue arose with Apple’s implementation of updates to the company’s iMessage feature. Apple changed a few things behind the curtain, but these things didn’t pan out. This led to spaghetti code —or code that’s tangled up or not working —which breaks other programs and causes unintended results.
As the update dropped, it became apparent to many users that something was out of whack. These users took to forums, chat threads and Apple customer support forums to voice their concerns and find solutions. They discussed how many of their text threads between contacts would combine and become one. Many users also reported that they shared phone call history and text history with siblings and parents. This glitch, or possibly an intentional function gone awry, has been noticeably linked to Apple IDs. However, there is still a population of users, albeit small, who are experiencing this issue regardless of the recipient’s Apple ID.
It’s nice to know what’s going on, but the real question rattling around people’s minds is how to fix it. Due to the apparent randomness of the glitch, one solution users have found is that if you delete one of the contacts of the parties involved, as well as the text thread effected, all should be well. Of course, this means you have to remake the text thread, losing all text history, as well as remake the contact.
Another fix aimed more toward prevention rather than untangling the text threads is to go into settings app>messages>send-receive and only select the option for “This Cell #” as opposed to Apple ID and email options.
The last option you can try is the ever-classic turn it off and on. Delete your text threads, turn off the app and turn off your phone. Then all should be well. If not, give the other two fixes a shot.
_Edited by Alexandra Sharp | asharp@themaneater.com_
