iOS 18 Bug in Messages Causes Repeated App Crash: Fix It Without Losing Data

Overview of the iOS 18 Bug in Messages Issue

 According to a piece of news from 9to5Mac, the iOS 18 Messages bug causes repeated app crashes. As we know that the Apple Watch includes a feature that allows users to easily share watch faces directly through watchOS in "Messages" or "Mail." But it would cause some problems when you update to iOS 18 on your iPhone and reply to this specific message on iPhone. 

This update has also ushered in an unexpected complication: a persistent bug causing the Messages app to crash repeatedly. This issue arises specifically when users respond to a shared watch face within their message threads. The bug affects not only the initiator of the message but also the recipient, leading to a situation where both parties experience app crashes every time they attempt to open the affected conversation.

Why Does the Messages App Crash Repeatedly on iOS 18

The root cause of this bug stems from a processing error within the Messages app when handling the interactive data associated with shared watch faces. When a user replies to a shared watch face in iOS 18, the app fails to properly manage the incoming data, resulting in repeated crashes.

This problem persists across various Apple systems, including iOS 18.1 beta, iPadOS 18.1 beta, and macOS 15.1 beta, indicating a broader issue with how shared content is processed across Apple's ecosystems.

How to Fix the Repeated Messages App Crash on iOS 18

To mitigate the impact of this bug, users are advised to avoid replying directly to messages containing shared watch faces. When you update to iOS 18, do not reply to a shared Apple Watch face within a threaded message. This is the primary action that triggers the bug causing the app to crash.

If the bug has already been triggered, the most effective solution is to delete the entire conversation thread. To delete the conversation, you may need to quickly swipe and delete the thread before the app crashes again, which can be challenging if the app crashes repeatedly.

Here are 4 methods to help you address the iOS 18 bug in Messages that causes repeated app crashes. Let's take a look.

1️⃣Delete the Conversation

Before deleting any messages, ensure all important attachments such as photos and videos are backed up outside of the Messages app. It would be a little difficult to operate during the repeated app crash. Keep in mind that all conversation history would be removed.

Therefore, to fix the iOS 18 messages bug without losing data, consider to backup your entire message history to computer using EaseUS MobiMover for free. (Note that using iCloud for Messages might complicate the recovery process if the corrupted messages are backed up and restored.)

2️⃣Restore from Backup

If data loss occurs, restoring your iPhone from a previous backup might help recover lost data. However, ensure that the backup does not contain the corrupted message thread, as it could reintroduce the bug. It's not recommended to restore the latest backup from iCloud. You can use the free EaseUS software mentioned above to bakup iPhone with one click.

3️⃣Wait for an Official Update

Apple is likely to release an update to fix this bug in future iOS 18 updates. Keeping your device updated can help avoid this and other potential issues. You can also inform your friends or family who use iPhone devices about this bug and the risk involved in replying to shared Apple Watch faces in message threads to prevent them from experiencing similar issues.

4️⃣Downgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 17 on iPhone

Go to a trusted source to download the correct IPSW file for your specific iPhone model. Websites like IPSW.me offer signed IPSW files that Apple still supports. Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Then put your device into recovery mode. In iTunes or Finder, you'll see an option to restore your iPhone. Follow the instruction and select the iOS 17 IPSW file you downloaded before to downgrade iOS 18 to iOS 17 or earlier.

How to Backup iPhone for Free to Avoid Losing Data on iOS 18

To safeguard your data against losses due to bugs like the one in iOS 18, backing up your iPhone is a prudent step. EaseUS MobiMover offers an efficient solution for backing up iPhone data seamlessly. Here's how to use it:

By understanding the causes of the iOS 18 bug and taking proactive steps to manage your data, you can navigate this issue without losing crucial information and continue enjoying the new features of iOS 18.

Conclusion

As Apple works towards patching this bug in future updates of iOS, macOS, and watchOS, users should stay informed through official Apple communications and update their devices promptly to benefit from these fixes.

By taking these preventative and corrective steps, users can help mitigate the impact of this bug and safeguard their data against similar issues in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular backups and cautious interaction with newly-introduced features in digital environments.

FAQ on iOS 18 Bugs on the Messages App Crash

Q1: What exactly triggers the iOS 18 Messages app crash?

The crash is triggered when a user replies to a shared Apple Watch face in a threaded message within the Messages app on iOS 18. This bug affects both the sender and the receiver of the message, causing the app to crash repeatedly when the conversation thread is accessed.

Q2: Is there any risk in deleting the conversation thread to fix the Messages app crash?

Yes, deleting the conversation thread will remove all messages, including any unsaved attachments like photos and videos contained within the thread. It is crucial to back up any important data before deleting the thread to avoid permanent data loss. Remember, once a thread is deleted, it cannot be recovered unless it was backed up previously.

Q3: How long will I have to wait for Apple to release an update to fix this bug?

The exact timeline for when Apple will release an update to fix the iOS 18 Messages bug is uncertain. However, Apple typically releases updates to address significant bugs relatively quickly after they become known. It is important to keep your device updated and check for new updates regularly. Enabling automatic updates can also help ensure that you receive the latest fixes as soon as they are available.

Further Reading: How to Fix iOS 18 Screen Time Bug