iMessage Problem Gets Official Fix from Apple

Still can’t receive iPhone-written texts on your Droid? Not to worry. Apple is on the case. After fixing the server-side part of the issue, the company is now proud to confirm that a firmware fix is also in the works. The flaw will supposedly be gone for good really soon.

Although many users are still in the red, the problem seems to be getting rectified. Apple has started with a backend fix, and it is planning to roll out a software update that customers will be able to download and install on their iPhones to completely eliminate the flaw. A statement provided to re/code says this much: “We recently fixed a server-side iMessage bug which was causing an issue for some users, and we have an additional bug fix in a future software update. For users still experiencing an issue, please contact AppleCare.” Apple’s admittance comes late, but it’s still better than turning a blind eye to the problem, as some have suggested. According to some people’s reasoning, Apple had no incentive to address the issue because it forced customers to stay in the iOS ecosystem (rather than flee to the Android camp). The allegation was at best absurd, but you also couldn’t blame someone for thinking this way considering Apple’s restrictive approaches to certain aspects of its business.

Users will (supposedly) be prompted to download and install iOS 7.1.2 in the near future, and perhaps an incremental iOS 6.1.7 as well (for those still stuck on the old firmware). iOS 7.1.2 should also contain fixes for a recently discovered flaw that circumvents one of Apple’s security measures taken against iPhone thefts: Activation Lock. Although the bypass was possible thanks to an iCloud breach, a well-known hacker and security expert revealed that the Cupertino giant will have to also deploy a firmware fix, meaning a new incremental update for iOS 7 users. However, considering that any new iOS update must go through some thorough testing before it gets released (and that includes sending a pre-release build to the wireless carriers), customers shouldn’t expect the new firmware to arrive any time too soon.

Some users have taken matters into their own hands trying to resolve the infamous iMessage flaw. One tipster has said that you can reset your Apple ID password and then text STOP to 48369 on your Android phone to fix the issue. However, as we have warned before, these are under no circumstances official fixes, therefore using them is not encouraged.

iPhone user
Image credits to BusinessInsider.com

Posted in: Mobile Phone, News, Software