TJJL2000 Author

Level 1

71 points

iMessage only showing the first letter of text messages since updating to iOS 17 (currently running 17.4.1)

This happens randomly and it's unpredictable, often several times a day. It can happen in a group text, single thread, with iMessage only users and/or SMS users, so it's not isolated to one type of text message. The full message will preview on the notification lock screen but when I go to read the message this appears. I'm using a 12 Pro Max and my friend with a 15 Pro Max has the same issue. The only fix is to close the messaging app then reopen it, which is only a temporary fix. I updated to 17.4.1 and the issue is still occurring. I don't have the option to postpone upgrades due to corporate accounts which require updates to run.

Is there another software update coming to fix this bug? It's extremely annoying (and pretty much inexcusable) to have a bug that fundamentally renders useless what is arguably the most used application on an iPhone. Please like if you have the same issue so this get's noticed by developers. Thanks

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Apr 22, 2024 11:56 AM

Top-ranking reply

MarkMMD

Level 1

32 points

Posted on Jun 28, 2024 10:18 AM

The order that comments appear here when using Reply is annoying, so I'm reposting a solution:

I just got off with a very helpful Apple Care supervisor. The problem appears to be using Accessibility to increase font size and elect Bold text. Turn those off in Accessibility, and instead use Display and Brightness to select Bold and larger text. That worked on my iPhone 15 Pro.

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139 replies

_mjht

Level 1

8 points

Jul 22, 2024 8:07 AM in response to Joannabritone

Try turning your phone sideways (horizontal) - I could see entire message on mine that way. It’s NOT a fix but at least I can see the message for now & I didn’t have to decrease font size.

Jul 22, 2024 8:43 AM in response to TJJL2000

Turn the phone to the side and it’ll come up. I have mine on large bold text too because of my vision. Maybe do this until it is resolved. Hopefully soon

Jul 26, 2024 7:54 AM in response to DMD75

Scroll up while in the message and it will reapoear.

Aug 19, 2024 12:23 PM in response to DMD75

go to setttings

display

take off bold

TXBirdie

Level 1

20 points

May 29, 2024 7:23 AM in response to TJJL2000

Turning the phone sideways works, but what a hassle. Went to settings/accessibility/text size/turn bold off as someone mentioned. My bold wasn’t turned on. I made the text smaller and that worked, but like many, that makes it difficult to read.

PLEASE fix this Apple. That deal out there for a Samsung is looking better and better!

Zellere

Level 1

12 points

Jun 25, 2024 5:07 AM in response to TJJL2000

I reset my

iphone settings and made sure the text

size was about

mid

range and that seemed to fix the problem..

we’ll

see.

ps my text wasn’t set to

bold and the problem of only forst

letter

was

Randomly happening .. it a tech mystery …

wabi18

Level 1

14 points

May 3, 2024 11:39 AM in response to TJJL2000

Changing the default text size or bolding the text should remedy the problem.

Madre92

Level 1

14 points

May 21, 2024 2:05 PM in response to Misb2u

Turning sideways works for me @Apple PLEASE FIX!

Lohurt

Level 1

14 points

Jun 24, 2024 7:52 PM in response to TJJL2000

Make your text smaller. It worked for me.

Jul 2, 2024 5:48 AM in response to Misb2u

THIS WORKS!!! Turn the phone sideways!!

Genius ! But feel stupid for not thinking of this on my own! 🤣

thanks, Misb2u !!!

Jul 14, 2024 12:33 PM in response to TJJL2000

I took rhe phone to the Genius Bar. They had me turn off bold print. It happens leas but still happening

realtwang

Level 2

151 points

Jul 16, 2024 11:16 AM in response to keith everett

Everyone needs to go report it at apple.com/feedback

I already have, but the more people they hear from, the quicker they will address it.

realtwang

Level 2

151 points

Jul 29, 2024 4:27 PM in response to Joannabritone

Again, folks, it's really important to file a bug report with Apple product feedback. The more reports they get, the quicker they will fix it

Product Feedback - Apple

jenay160

Level 1

21 points

Sep 10, 2024 4:10 PM in response to TJJL2000

Apple needs to repair the issue soon. If you decrease your font size or turn your phone horizontal you can see the message.

Noidbyit

Level 1

13 points

Jun 1, 2024 1:19 PM in response to TJJL2000

Glad to find someone else with this issue. Thought i was hacked (which we all know is impossible with an iPhone).

14 pro max here. I also found if you press and hold the 1 letter message then the “?” Response the message expands. Could be useful for privacy if 1) it had consistent qualities and 2) it was a feature you could choose in settings

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iMessage only showing the first letter of text messages since updating to iOS 17 (currently running 17.4.1)