The latest iOS 18 update contains a bug that appears when sharing Apple Watch faces. Users report that the Messages app crashes when attempting to reply to a watch face shared within a message thread, affecting both the sender and recipient.
How the Bug Impacts Messages
According to 9to5Mac, this issue occurs when an iOS 18 user responds to an Apple Watch face sent in a thread. Once a reply is made, the Messages app begins to crash, preventing further replies not only in the shared thread but also in other conversations. This makes it impossible to respond to messages across the app.
The only temporary solution identified so far is to delete all correspondence with the user who shared the watch face. Unfortunately, this results in the permanent loss of all chat history, including unsaved photos, videos, and other attachments. Attempts to restore deleted messages from the “Recently Deleted” section also trigger the error, adds NIXSolutions.
Potential Fixes and Precautions
9to5Mac suggests that “Apple will likely release a fix in upcoming iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and beta software updates.” In the meantime, users are advised to avoid replying to shared Apple Watch faces to prevent data loss. Although restoring from a backup might help recover lost information, using the iCloud Messages feature could render this method ineffective.
With the release of watchOS 11, the bug could become more common as more users share customized watch faces and discuss them in Messages. We’ll keep you updated on any developments and fixes as they emerge.