IOS 17.1.1 - no longer able to edit text messages

I can’t edit any text since my IOS 17.1.1 software update. It actually let me edit THIS but not any of my personal text messages. I have thick fingers and bad eye sight. I can’t begin to list the errors I’ve made. 😔

The issue is the 17.1.1 iOS update took that text message edit feature away completely. You can no longer press on the message to select edit at any time. If there is a work around or way to add it back, we missed that information.

well said! - I find it insane that Apple - one of biggest companies in the world - ruins a simple ability to easily amend a text - I write long texts at times and it won’t allow me to now scroll back up easily - had o known I would not just have bought a new 15 pro - it is such a silly mistake it’s like a toddler has made this change to the software! - apology that’s insulting toddlers.

no longer a phone usable for business.

short version …. Please fix this bug ASAP!!

Still not able an edit a long text that is above (what can be presently seen on) the iPhone screen. By placing the cursor to edit the first sentence of a long text, the cursor automatically defaults to the last word of the text you are composing. Any alternative android devices?

magnum09 wrote:

Little point posting any more on this software bug, as I know Apple closely watches all posts in this thread

The only Apple people watching these threads closely are the Hosts and their job is to make sure we all follow the rules.

If you want Apple to know your thoughts, the appropriate place where they will be sure to see it is the feedback page:

Product Feedback - Apple

But you're certainly correct there is little point in posting the same complaints over and over again in this thread.

Hi all,

I have the same problem, tried everything, and can't edit a message while composing and PRIOR to sending it. Updated my iPhone SE to the latest 17.1.2 yesterday and tried the power off/power on suggestion, but prpoblem remains.

While composing a new message, I'm unable to edit the message. When I try to reposition the cursor somewhere within in the mesage text, the cursor quickly moves to some random location within the message. And I'm unable to position the cursor at the location within the messaage where I want to make the edit.

The only workaround I have foound is to compose the message in notes, make any edits, and then cut & paste into the message app.

Very disapointed.

I’m having very similar symptoms. However, it seems that if I click and hold my finger on the area of the text where I want my cursor, (higher up towards the beginning) and even though the cursor lands much lower in the text, I seem to be able to then grab it and drag it up to where I clicked/wanted it. Then I proceed with my edit. I’ll admit it’s a lot different than it was before and I’m a little unclear on whether or not this works very consistently.

magnum09 wrote:

Well, thinking positively, we all know the “Apple Police” closely monitor everything posted on these boards …… so we have to assume they put a similar level of effort into forwarding genuine software issues (like this one) to the software developers to get it fixed.

Insulting the Hosts, who have an overwhelming job here, is not very polite. All they have time to do is make sure people aren't violating the terms of use.

If you want Apple to know your thoughts, use the feedback link:

Product Feedback - Apple

Tlh00 wrote:

How many of us will it take before Apple fixes this very annoying issue?!! I love Apple products and I’m definitely not ready to ditch my iPhone for an android— I’m just very frustrated and disappointed Apple hasn’t yet eliminated such an aggravating flaw.

No one here in this user-to-user forum would know Apple's plans for the future. You can tell them your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Same problem, but not always, and not sure why. Typically happens after typing a 'long-ish' text. It won't let me edit the poor auto correct changes it makes :-/ , much less my own mistakes.

So, at the end of one of these long-ish texts, I did a carriage return (not sure it matters) and entered additional text. It THEN started allowing me to place the cursor anywhere in that additional AND in the previous longer text, as it should! After trying to repeat that in a different scenario, it only allows editing back to a certain point and is finicky about how long you hold the cursor in place. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to its behavior.

I am wondering it it's a bug that if the text is so and so long, it struggles with the editing feature, but works with shorter texts.

Just musing.

Sue brown1 wrote:

I agree this is awful. Apple, fix it and fix it fast.

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Jsserap wrote:

Since you can't go back to the top of a longer text message, cut the bottom half of your text, then edit the top, and then paste what you cut.

Or, do what I do: use email for longer messages and use Messages for shorter things.

This is something that I liked having and I want this feature to come back because when your typing Apple is always changing my words and adding different letters on my text messages.

I have the same issue, but did figure out that if you keep trying, the cursor eventually stays where you’re trying to edit. It’s very frustrating.

Exactly!

let’s remind ourselves;

1. it always used to work - so someone has DELIBERATELY changed it at Apple! That is disturbing as it raises all sorts of concerns regarding the calibre of software engineers and the extend of testing carried out before being incorporated into the next software release.
2. apple is capitalised at around 3 TRILLION dollars - the most valuable company in the world can’t get text message software right! I’m speechless.