iOS Glitch Causes Brief Crashes When Typing Four Characters

A recently discovered bug in iOS and iPadOS causes brief crashes when users type a specific sequence of characters into certain search fields. The issue, reported on August 21, 2024, occurs when users enter “::” into the search bar in the Settings app or the App Library search bar. This action triggers a temporary crash of the Apple mobile interface, Springboard, which then reloads and returns users to the lock screen.

How the Bug Affects Users

Security researcher Konstantin first reported this glitch on social media. Tests confirm that typing “::” leads to a quick crash, closing the Settings app and redirecting users to the Home Screen. The bug affects devices running iOS 18.1 developer beta and iOS 17.6.1, though the results vary—some users only experience crashes in Settings and Spotlight, while others note issues in the App Library as well. These differences suggest that the bug’s impact depends on the device and operating system version.

The Inconvenience of the Bug

This glitch, though annoying, doesn’t cause lasting damage or data loss. Users can avoid the problem by not typing “::” in the affected search bars. As the glitch gains more attention, Apple will likely address and fix it in a future software update.

What’s Next?

For now, users should continue using their devices as usual, being mindful of this minor bug. Apple has not released an official statement about the glitch, but a fix is expected soon.

This glitch serves as a reminder that even minor details in software can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. However, the issue is more of a curiosity than a critical flaw, and users can expect a quick resolution.