Apple released iOS 11.2.1 on Wednesday with multiple bug fixes, but an emoji-related issue continues to affect the Messages app on iOS devices.

imessage emoji bug
The bug happens as follows: start a fresh conversation with a new recipient in the Messages app, send a single emoji as the first message, and much of the interface will essentially go blank with the top menu disappearing.

The glitch effectively renders the Messages app unusable until it is force closed and reopened through the multitasking menu.

The bug has affected most iPhone, iPad, and likely iPod touch models since at least iOS 11.1.2. MacRumors is able to reproduce the issue on iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, and the first iOS 11.2.5 beta released yesterday.

The issue is prevalent in both iMessage conversations with blue bubbles and SMS conversations with green bubbles.

While this bug is a minor one, it adds to a growing list of issues that have surfaced over the past several versions of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, including a major Mac vulnerability that provided easy access to the root superuser.

Beyond the root bug, Apple has also dealt with a HomeKit-related vulnerability, an iPhone camera autofocus issue, iOS autocorrect bugs, and iPhone X glitches in cold weather, among other problems, in recent weeks.

We've alerted Apple about this bug shortly prior to publishing this article and we'll provide an update if and when we learn about a fix.

Tags: Emoji, iMessage

Top Rated Comments

Pakaku Avatar
Pakaku
101 months ago
Well, if your idea of an opening conversation starter is a single emoji, especially that emoji, maybe you need to work on your social talking skills :\
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hushypushy Avatar
hushypushy
101 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
I do realize that this is an internet forum filled with nerds, so this might possibly be a foolish question, but...

Have you ever met a new friend before?

There has to be a point when you message someone for the first time; it's not like your phone comes pre-loaded with message threads for every person you will ever meet.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
THE JUICEMAN Avatar
THE JUICEMAN
101 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Act3 Avatar
Act3
101 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
especially with just a poop face
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Darmok N Jalad Avatar
Darmok N Jalad
101 months ago
I do realize that this is an internet forum filled with nerds, so this might possibly be a foolish question, but...

Have you ever met a new friend before?

There has to be a point when you message someone for the first time; it's not like your phone comes pre-loaded with message threads for every person you will ever meet.
I guess the OP's comment is a little off base, but I believe the social convention when one makes a new friend usually starts by verbally asking something like "hey, what's your number?" After receiving it, you enter that number as a new message on your phone and type something like "Hey, this is Darmok" and not just an emoji. That way your new friend knows it's you and correctly stores your name. Plus they might also feel a little more encouraged by this new found friendship knowing that you can actually type words and not just emojis. ;)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mlrollin91 Avatar
Mlrollin91
101 months ago
Who starts new iMessage threads these days?
I do. Quite often too. About once a week I will trash all my current ones because they become cluttered with attachments. I could manually go to settings and remove all the attachment, but its easier to just delete the thread and create a new one when, or, if, I ever need one. I have zero attachment to iMessages. Some people keep messages going back 10 years. I don't get it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 58 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 77 comments
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
Read Full Article • 114 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 209 comments
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
Read Full Article • 47 comments