Apple's iOS 17.5 photo resurfacing bug just got a whole lot more serious — here's why

The iPhone 13 Pro pictured on a table displaying a photo
(Image credit: Future)

After releasing iOS 17.5, users have been reporting a bug that causes previously deleted photos to make a reappearance. It's affecting all kinds of deleted photos, but lots of users are reporting private images being resurfaced. And now, it seems like this bug is getting worse.

One Reddit user shared that their photos were resurfaced after factory resetting the device and selling it to somebody else. Other users were quick to comment with similar stories, with a handful dating back some time.

The original poster clarified that they followed Apple's official support guide on resetting their iPad. They then handed the device to the person that bought it, and did not sign in to their iCloud account again. Yet, the deleted photos still resurfaced on the device when it was set up again as new, and with a different iCloud account.

This additional development seems to suggest that the bug is related to the devices themselves, rather than the iCloud accounts attached. It's concerning for iPhone photographers who deleted photos and might not want to see them again. And, if you re-delete your photos, will they stay deleted?

Wait, what's happening?

This iOS 17.5 bug was first reported by MacRumors and is being discussed on Reddit. Users are reporting that photos they've deleted are being resurfaced, appearing as if they were brand-new. Previously, it appeared as though the files were new ones being provided by iCloud, but this latest development may suggest otherwise.

Photos dating back to 2010 are being resurfaced, even after being deleted repeatedly. It's still unclear exactly what is happening right now, nor do we know how people can fix the issue. Apple has still not addressed the issue.

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Connor Jewiss
Contributor

Connor is a technology writer and editor, with a byline on multiple platforms. He has been writing for over eight years now across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech.

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  • EdwinG
    I’m sorry, but whaaaattttt‽
    Reply
  • Just_Me_D
    I wonder how much of this is true? You never know with this generation. People will post all sorts of falsehoods to see how many views they can get.

    Before anyone gets bent out of shape, I am NOT disputing reports of deleted photos resurfacing on their iPhones, but I am questioning the amount of people this is happening to.
    Reply
  • FFR
    Just_Me_D said:
    I wonder how much of this is true? You never know with this generation. People will post all sorts of falsehoods to see how many views they can get.

    Before anyone gets bent out of shape, I am NOT disputing reports of deleted photos resurfacing on their iPhones, but I am questioning the amount of people this is happening to.

    Didn’t get any deleted photos or deleted voicemails back. Wonder if anyone on this board got them.
    Reply
  • Annie_M
    I'm wondering the same thing... I've not seen any deleted photos or voicemails return. I'm definitely curious to see how this plays out.
    Reply
  • EdwinG
    Annie_M said:
    I'm wondering the same thing... I've not seen any deleted photos or voicemails return. I'm definitely curious to see how this plays out.
    I did have about 10 visual voicemails resurface from the past 2 months.

    They’re not stored at my carrier, confirmed by dialing 1 to access the voicemail.
    Reply
  • Lestat1886
    Big related to the device? I had old deleted pictures from years ago on my iPhone 15… How that could be device related?
    Reply
  • wolfow
    So this means the only thing you can do with your old (but still working) device is completely demolish it if you value your privacy even a bit.
    Reply
  • Ledsteplin
    I haven't seen any old photos, videos, or gifs on my 14 Pro Max anywhere.
    Reply
  • Lee_Bo
    I can confirm this is happening.

    A couple of weeks ago I went to the beach. While I was there I went to the Atalaya Castle, Huntington Beach State Park, SC. I took a ton of photos with my phone. On the drive back to the beach house, my phone powered off for no reason. I had to use my MBP to get it powered back on. Once back on, all the photos I took that day were gone, like I never took them.
    Then the 17.5 update happens and BAM! There’s all my castle photos.

    Now, as far as photos resurfacing on old wiped devices, not an issue. I have all my old devices since the 6S+.

    Reply
  • FFR
    Lee_Bo said:
    I can confirm this is happening.

    A couple of weeks ago I went to the beach. While I was there I went to the Atalaya Castle, Huntington Beach State Park, SC. I took a ton of photos with my phone. On the drive back to the beach house, my phone powered off for no reason. I had to use my MBP to get it powered back on. Once back on, all the photos I took that day were gone, like I never took them.
    Then the 17.5 update happens and BAM! There’s all my castle photos.

    Now, as far as photos resurfacing on old wiped devices, not an issue. I have all my old devices since the 6S+.


    But you never deleted the resurfaced photos.
    Reply