A newly discovered iPhone bug causes crashes when users type the characters “”::. While disruptive, the bug doesn't appear to be a security threat, and Apple has yet to comment.

A newly discovered bug is causing iPhones and iPads to briefly crash after users type a specific sequence of four characters. The bug, discovered on Wednesday by a security researcher, has caught the attention of the tech community.

The Bug’s Impact and Trigger

Typing the sequence “”:: has been found to crash the Apple mobile user interface, known as Springboard. The bug has been verified to occur in specific scenarios: when the characters are typed into the Search bar within the Settings app or when entered into the App Library search bar after swiping all the way to the right on the home screen.

Further investigation revealed that the bug’s trigger is even simpler than initially thought. It’s not the entire four-character sequence that causes the crash, but rather just “”: followed by any other character. This revelation underscores the unexpected nature of software bugs and how seemingly minor inputs can have significant consequences.

Apple’s Response and Security Concerns

The bug’s impact, while disruptive, appears to be temporary. When triggered, it causes Springboard to briefly crash, followed by a reload to the lock screen. Some users have also reported the screen flashing black for a brief moment. As of now, Apple has not issued an official comment on the matter, leaving users and researchers to speculate on the cause and potential fixes.

From a security standpoint, the bug doesn’t seem to pose a significant threat. iOS security researchers Ryan Stortz and Patrick Wardle have both assessed the bug and concluded that it’s not a security issue. This assessment is crucial in alleviating concerns about potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Comparison to Previous Bugs

Unlike a previous bug in 2020 that could remotely crash the Twitter app of any user viewing a tweet with specific characters, this new bug appears to be limited in its reach. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone other than the iOS device owner can trigger this bug. It seems that the only way to activate the crash is by manually typing the specific character sequence on the device itself.

While this bug is certainly an inconvenience for iPhone and iPad users, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of software development and the potential for unexpected issues to arise. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research and collaboration between security experts and tech companies to identify and address such vulnerabilities promptly.

About the author

View All Posts

Mahak Aggarwal

With a BA in Mass Communication from Symbiosis, Pune, and 5 years of experience, Mahak brings compelling tech stories to life. Her engaging style has won her the 'Rising Star in Tech Journalism' award at a recent media conclave. Her in-depth research and engaging writing style make her pieces both informative and captivating, providing readers with valuable insights.