If you’re using iOS 18 and have an Apple Watch, there’s a specific bug you should be aware of, especially if you share watch faces through iMessage. This issue can lead to data loss when trying to resolve it. The bug, as reported by 9to5Mac, occurs when replying in a threaded message to someone who has shared a watch face with you from their Apple Watch.
What Happens When You Encounter the Bug:
The Apple Watch feature that enables users to share personalized watch faces via Messages or Mail is built for convenience, allowing you to easily share your custom setup, including complications and colours.
However, if you reply to a message thread containing a shared watch face, the Messages app may crash repeatedly when you try to open the chat. This problem not only disrupts your ability to respond but also affects the other user involved in the conversation.
Steps to Fix the Issue:
To address this bug, you’ll need to delete the problematic conversation thread from both users’ devices. This can be difficult if the Messages app keeps crashing. Deleting the entire thread will remove all chat history, including any unsaved attachments such as photos and videos. Be cautious not to restore the affected thread from deletion, as it will reintroduce the bug. Restoring from an iCloud backup might not be effective due to iMessage’s synchronization.
What to Do in the Meantime:
Until Apple releases a patch, avoid replying directly to shared Apple Watch faces. Inform others with whom you share watch faces about this issue to prevent them from encountering the same problem. Stay updated with Apple’s announcements and ensure your device and apps are current to receive the latest patches and improvements.
Apple is expected to release a fix in a future update of iOS 18. Until then, refrain from replying directly to shared Apple Watch faces to avoid losing your chat history.
