iOS 17.5.1 Messages app has stopped working intermittently

I've talked with multiple senior techs at Apple Support. They are fully aware of the issue.

In order to escalate the issue, EVERYONE needs to call Apple Support and report the issue. The more people that complain to Apple Support, the faster it'll get resolved. Try to speak with a senior manager. Documented cases will encourage them to act faster.

The latest advice given to me by Apple Support was to reinstall the 17.5.1 update. Follow these instructions: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support. However, DO NOT RESTORE. Hit cancel. Select Software Update instead. This will simply replace the 17.5.1 update.

(Full disclosure, I haven't tried this yet)

Oddly my messages was working all week while traveling out of state. Now that I'm back home, it's not working anymore. It's not related to WiFi, as I've tested both. Odd.

Following on from my last post. I did end up on a call with Apple Support. After some digging the guy from Apple informed me that Apple is aware of the issue but didn't have a specific date for the fix.

A few other comments the community might find interesting

• Apple engineers don't actively watch the discussions forum and the channel to have Apple look at issues is via their support process.
• The support guy asked that I capture videos of the issue as additional evidence will raise the priority within Apple.
• They also recommended performing a "Reset all settings" rather than the "Reset Network Settings". I haven't done this yet.

I'd suggest that for those having this issue you a) raise a case with Apple, b) progress until you speak with someone and c) add the requested evidence to the ticket.

I don't think the videos help in the diagnosis, but it does show the challenges people are having and makes it "real".

Thank you. I hope they can resolve this sooner than later. What a PITA.

I started having this issue today, out of nowhere. I updated about a week ago. Has Apple support acknowledged any of this?

Did you contact Apple Support and did you get any suggested steps to fix this problem?

I too have the same issue as do the three other devices in my household. Intermittent message app being non responsive, blank screen, crashing. All are on AT&T. All other apps seem fine.

I can also confirm this. Tried FaceTime to someone I can’t iMessage to and no answer.

I had the same problem and completely earased my phone including the 2 e-SIMs I have and I did not restore from a backup. Messages worked perfectly for about 10 days, the problem has recurred now however and messages is only working intermittently. This is very frustrating!

Hi. I am experiencing the same problem on two iPhones (12 pro Max and 15 pro Max), iMac and Mac book pro. It doesn't happen to me on a 2nd generation iPhone SE which I purposely haven't updated to 17.5.1. I have already done all possible protocols, even wiping the phone and reinstalling following instructions from Tech Support. All to no avail, has anyone come up with a solution? Or should we wait for new SLN software in September?

Don’t do it. I restart one of my devices and in two hours the problem is reproduced

Same problem on my old iPhone 12. Upgraded to a 14 pro. Same problem. I’m absolutely over it.