Can't drag the cursor up in text messages on new iphone 15 Pro iOS 17

I switched from my iphone 13 pro with iOS 17 (no problems with the upgrade) and now I've lost a bunch of features. This post is about typing a long enough text message so the beginning is hidden at the top. I can scroll to read the whole thing but I can't edit at the beginning. I push/hold on the message (or spacebar) and drag to the cursor to where I want it. I let go and it pops back down to a different part of the message. I don't need it often but it's something that Apple should be aware of if it's happening to others.

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Oct 3, 2023 10:51 AM

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Posted on Oct 17, 2023 2:13 PM

I just wrote a long text and nearly cried. When I scroll to a place to edit the whole thing suddenly flips to another place. Trying to control the cursor is useless. If I put the cursor somewhere it immediately pops back to the last place it was — or some totally random place. I could scream. The caps key goes off before I even have a chance to type. It’s basically doing the same thing as the cursor. Totally uncontrollable. And this back arrow editing thing is insane. Almost everything it suggests is not a real word so just trying not to touch it. I’m so regretting iOS 17.

199 replies

Jan 7, 2024 3:26 PM in response to Susie237

This is a workaround but you should be able to select all and cut all the text. Pop it into notes and correct it then you should be able to copy and paste it into a new text, or right from notes you can directly text.

For now until this problem is fixed it’s better not to send long texts but shorter pieces at once I have found. Such a serious problem that has persisted for sometime. if I kind of milk it up a couple lines at a time I can get it to the top usually. But this is a pain. I have a 14 Pro. should call it 14 not So pro.

Jan 9, 2024 4:42 PM in response to KateT1208

That doesn’t work. As soon as you let go, it either jumps back down or cursor is hidden.

I just discovered that if I type a letter when the curser is hidden, then it lets me edit the text above.

So many work arounds suggested. I hope they fix it so it works like it used to.


Honestly, I’ve always hated texting on iPhones. I miss my android just for the texting. So much better!

Jan 10, 2024 9:58 AM in response to KateT1208

The fact that this thread was started on October 3 and there has been no clear fix that works for everyone is ridiculous. Imagine it being 2024 and you cannot send a text without using another app to edit it?


I too, have to start a text message in notes and then copy and paste it into the text message. if I forget, I have to cut half the message paste it into notes then go back to iMessage and cut the top of the message and paste that into notes and then I can do editing. Holding the spacebar does not allow me to accurately edit. The mic button covers half of the words I’m trying to click on. The highlighter dots won’t drag any further than the original word that you highlighted.


How could you completely screw up the development of one of the best text messaging apps available? Worst, typical, Apple corporate morals, say “deny deny deny there is an issue,”.

Jan 10, 2024 10:56 AM in response to neetzy

neetzy wrote:

The fact that this thread was started on October 3 and there has been no clear fix that works for everyone is ridiculous. Imagine it being 2024 and you cannot send a text without using another app to edit it?

Messaging apps are designed to send short, quick messages. That means editing capabilities have always been limited and are simply not optimized for longer messages. I understand people use them in ways they weren't designed to be used and there's nothing wrong with that. But, expecting them to behave like email or text editing programs is bound to end in disappointment.

Can't drag the cursor up in text messages on new iphone 15 Pro iOS 17

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