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Apple has a fix for the widespread iPhone shutdown glitch

The text message that can crash your iPhone
VIDEO3:0803:08
The text message that can crash your iPhone

Apple has released a workaround for an iOS bug allowing users to remotely crash iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. The issue appears to be affecting the way Apple's operating system handles the display of messages containing specific Arabic-looking characters.

When the glitch was revealed on Wednesday, Apple told CNBC that there would be a fix available in an upcoming software update.

Until then, the company has offered a temporary way to manage any issues that may occur prior to releasing the update:

1. Ask Siri to "read unread messages."
2. Use Siri to reply to the malicious message. After you reply, you'll be able to open Messages again.
3. In Messages, swipe left to delete the entire thread. Or tap and hold the malicious message, tap More, and delete the message from the thread.

It should be noted that some users have experienced mixed success with Apple's suggested fix.

Earlier this week, social media users took to Twitter to express their frustrations with the glitch.

A glitch that allows you to text and turn someone's phone off has been discovered with Apple's iPhones.
Adam Jeffery | CNBC

iphone tweet

iphone tweet

iphone tweet

CNBC's Josh Lipton contributed to this story.