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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

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 22, 2024 6:04 PM

I’m having the same issue. Sometimes it doesn’t correct when I close out and go back in. I have even powered off and it’s still showing just the first letter. Very annoying!

63 replies

Jun 13, 2024 10:19 AM in response to TJJL2000

I just spoke with Apple support and in troubleshooting have found out that if BOLD is on in your messages then it will not show your complete message. We mess around with font size and bold and it appears that when we took bold off that no matter what size we made the font, the complete message showed up. I’m going to try to link a message from Apple to this, but I’m not sure I know how to do it and it will explain it much better than I can

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

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

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