Smartphone users who switch away from the iPhone without disabling iMessage are missing out on text messages because the iMessage protocol remains on, a problem Apple now finally officially admits.
What is happening is that when users switch to another device, text messages continue to be converted to iMessages and forwarded to an Apple ID even when that ID is no longer use.
As a result, the messages disappear into nowhere – which is not cool.
According to Re/Code, the problem has apparently been made worse by a server glitch that undid Apple’s endeavours to rectify the problem.
“We recently fixed a server-side iMessage bug which was causing an issue for some users, and we have an additional bug fix in a future software update,” Apple said in a statement. “For users still experiencing an issue, please contact AppleCare.”
Users can avoid the problem by turning iMessage off on their iPhone before they take the SIM out and pop it into another wireless device.
Last week, a woman in California began legal action against the company on the basis that the problem with iMessage is preventing people from getting the full value from their wireless service once they give up their iPhone.
Apple introduced iMessage in 2011. One of its chief advantages is that Apple re-routes the messages via its own servers, actually helping consumers cut down on messaging charges.
iPhone messaging image via Shutterstock
