Update: An Apple spokesperson told iMore:
We are aware of an iMessage issue caused by a specific series of unicode characters and we will make a fix available in a software update.
The bug occurs when your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch (which runs a variant of iOS 8) receives a message containing the specific string of Unicode characters. Because the specific string can't be rendered, the app crashes or the system restarts.
Note: We're updating this and our how to fix iOS 8 Unicode Messages crash bug help article with new and better information as it becomes available.
Unicode is the standard way to encode, exchange, decode, and render text for most languages around the world. CoreText is typically what Apple uses to render Unicode, and it appears that the Messages app and notifications that attempt to display the bad string will cause the program manager and windowing system (Springboard) to crash, re-spring, or reboot.
It's possible other apps that render the string in the same way might also be affected. In iMore's testing, we managed to find a few other apps that crashed as a result of trying to display the string, but most didn't, and no other app's notifications resulted in a crash.
Apple will be addressing the bug with a software update.
In the meantime, to prevent reboots from the lock screen, turn off lock screen notifications:
For Apple Watch crashes, turn off Messages notifications in the Apple Watch for iPhone app:
Note: Unless you have reason to believe you're a target, you probably only need to do this until your friends' attention span lapses and they move on to the next prank.
If you've already received the bad Unicode string maliciously or as a prank, send yourself or have someone else send you a clean message to the same app. This can be done from a different device, including a Mac, with Siri, or from the Share Sheet from another app (like Photos).
That should fix the notification crashes, but you still won't be able to open any conversation or screen that contains the bad string.
If you've been affected by the bug, or found any other fixes, please let us know.
Nick Arnott contributed to this article.
Via: Apple Insider
Review: Eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones on all your Apple devices at once
WiFi dead zones and spotty internet signal at home can be wildly frustrating. With the rockspace AX1800 Router and Extender you can improve internet reliability overall and eliminate WiFi dead zones for your Apple devices.
Review: Secretlab's TITAN Evo 2022 is probably the best gaming chair ever
Secretlab's TITAN Evo is its 2022 offering. It's an awesome upgrade on its 2020 model and the perfect gaming chair for any gamer.
iOS gaming recap: PlayStation makes big moves into iOS, Streets of Rage 4
Besides some new games, a huge game maker discussed its plans to move into the mobile space, although it's unclear when. Here's what else you missed this week.
Keep an eye on the front door with the best HomeKit video doorbells
HomeKit video doorbells are a great way to keep an eye on those precious packages at your front door. While there are just a few from which to choose, these are the best HomeKit options available.