Apple released iOS 11.2.1 on Wednesday with multiple bug fixes, but an emoji-related issue continues to affect the Messages app on iOS devices.

imessage emoji bug
The bug happens as follows: start a fresh conversation with a new recipient in the Messages app, send a single emoji as the first message, and much of the interface will essentially go blank with the top menu disappearing.

The glitch effectively renders the Messages app unusable until it is force closed and reopened through the multitasking menu.

The bug has affected most iPhone, iPad, and likely iPod touch models since at least iOS 11.1.2. MacRumors is able to reproduce the issue on iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, and the first iOS 11.2.5 beta released yesterday.

The issue is prevalent in both iMessage conversations with blue bubbles and SMS conversations with green bubbles.

While this bug is a minor one, it adds to a growing list of issues that have surfaced over the past several versions of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, including a major Mac vulnerability that provided easy access to the root superuser.

Beyond the root bug, Apple has also dealt with a HomeKit-related vulnerability, an iPhone camera autofocus issue, iOS autocorrect bugs, and iPhone X glitches in cold weather, among other problems, in recent weeks.

We've alerted Apple about this bug shortly prior to publishing this article and we'll provide an update if and when we learn about a fix.

Tags: Emoji, iMessage

Top Rated Comments

Pakaku Avatar
Pakaku
104 months ago
Well, if your idea of an opening conversation starter is a single emoji, especially that emoji, maybe you need to work on your social talking skills :\
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hushypushy Avatar
hushypushy
104 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
I do realize that this is an internet forum filled with nerds, so this might possibly be a foolish question, but...

Have you ever met a new friend before?

There has to be a point when you message someone for the first time; it's not like your phone comes pre-loaded with message threads for every person you will ever meet.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
THE JUICEMAN Avatar
THE JUICEMAN
104 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Act3 Avatar
Act3
104 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
especially with just a poop face
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Darmok N Jalad Avatar
Darmok N Jalad
104 months ago
I do realize that this is an internet forum filled with nerds, so this might possibly be a foolish question, but...

Have you ever met a new friend before?

There has to be a point when you message someone for the first time; it's not like your phone comes pre-loaded with message threads for every person you will ever meet.
I guess the OP's comment is a little off base, but I believe the social convention when one makes a new friend usually starts by verbally asking something like "hey, what's your number?" After receiving it, you enter that number as a new message on your phone and type something like "Hey, this is Darmok" and not just an emoji. That way your new friend knows it's you and correctly stores your name. Plus they might also feel a little more encouraged by this new found friendship knowing that you can actually type words and not just emojis. ;)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mlrollin91 Avatar
Mlrollin91
104 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
I do. Quite often too. About once a week I will trash all my current ones because they become cluttered with attachments. I could manually go to settings and remove all the attachment, but its easier to just delete the thread and create a new one when, or, if, I ever need one. I have zero attachment to iMessages. Some people keep messages going back 10 years. I don't get it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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