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move cursor after existing text on iphone 17.1.2

Since the iOS update a few weeks ago, editing text has become much more difficult. If I want to insert a few words in the middle of something I've already written, or go back to the end of what I've written and append to it, I tap the screen to the right of that word to move the cursor, and it often doesn't move the cursor. Instead, it highlights a whole word (without grab bars) and suggests other words I could replace it with. "Leave the word alone" is not an option. If I tap again, it selects the same word but with grab bars, so I can copy/paste/lookup/format/etc, but still no way to leave it alone and type after it. If I type a third time, it goes back to suggesting replacement words.


The best workaround I've found so far is to get to the "grab-bar" selection, move the beginning grab-bar as far right as possible so only one letter is selected, then retype that letter and go on with what I wanted to type after it.


Probably unrelated but coinciding with the same update, if I've tapped in a particular place in my text and that's not quite where I wanted to type, I can't move the cursor a few characters or a word away; it treats that as another tap on the same place. I have to tap somewhere several lines away, then try again to get exactly the right place.

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 17

Posted on Dec 14, 2023 4:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 15, 2023 12:56 PM

Stephen,


I have the exact same issue and response. The new functionality greatly slows my ability to edit text and provide concise meaning - it feels like yet another “improvement” by Apple to try to insert some sort of AI assistance. I hate it.

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4 replies

Dec 14, 2023 4:51 AM in response to Stephen Bloch

iOS updates generally aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. Text editing issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.


This seems purely coincidental so please check the Setting on your device. Have you tried this trackpad technique? Change Keyboard as Trackpad to move insertion point (Cursor).


Press and Hold the spacebar and move your fingers!




See what each update does: About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...



move cursor after existing text on iphone 17.1.2

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