Apple releases iOS 11.2.6 to fix Telugu bug which crashes iPhones

Apple has released iOS 11.2.6 update which includes a fix for Telugu bug that crashes iPhones and makes apps like Facebook Messenger, Messages, WhatsApp inaccessible.

When a message in Telugu characters is sent to Apple devices, the software would crash in its attempt to process the string of characters. The iPhone would crash and restart on its own, and after this, the Messages app would not open again. Attempts to open the Messages app would see fail. The bug also affects Safari and the built-in Messages app on macOS and the Apple Watch.

The Verge reported that the issue impacted watchOS, macOS and even third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Gmail, Outlook on iOS would get disabled and crash if the message with the Telugu character was received on these. Skype and Telegram were not impacted by the issue

The iOS 11.2.6 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software Update.