Apple promises fix for Web link crashing bug in iOS 9.3 is coming 'soon' [u]
With a link-related bug plaguing some users since the launch of iOS 9.3, Apple has acknowledged that it is aware of the issue, and indicated that a fix will be released in the form of a software update.
"We are aware of this issue, and we will release a fix in a software update soon," Apple said in a statement to TechCrunch. The statement indicates that a likely iOS 9.3.1 update could arrive in the coming days.
The bug is related to an iOS 9 feature called Universal Links, which allow third-party app developers to have certain domain names open links directly into their app. This means links tapped in apps like Safari, Mail, Messages and more will bypass Safari and open the content directly in an iOS app.
The issue appears to be app agnostic, as a both first- and third-party software exhibits crash symptoms, suggesting the issue lies in iOS itself.
Update: AppleInsider reader Rosyna reached out to clarify that the bug apparently affects earlier versions of iOS 9 as well, dating back as far as iOS 9.0.2. The largest culprit appears to be the official Booking.com iOS app, which has since been updated to prevent the associated crashes. Still, users who had already installed Booking.com continue to see problems, and await Apple's fix.
While users await Apple's software update, some have found limited success in disabling JavaScript (accessible in Settings > Safari > Advanced). Others say performing a long press operation on a link in Chrome bypasses the bug, but the solution is hit-or-miss.
Though a total of seven betas were released for iOS 9.3, last week's software launch has seen a number of problems, including an issue that prohibited older iPhones and iPads from completing the activation process, rendering those devices unusable.
Apple was prompted to temporarily pull the update, and released an updated version of iOS 9.3 on Monday to address the other bug.
"We are aware of this issue, and we will release a fix in a software update soon," Apple said in a statement to TechCrunch. The statement indicates that a likely iOS 9.3.1 update could arrive in the coming days.
The bug is related to an iOS 9 feature called Universal Links, which allow third-party app developers to have certain domain names open links directly into their app. This means links tapped in apps like Safari, Mail, Messages and more will bypass Safari and open the content directly in an iOS app.
The issue appears to be app agnostic, as a both first- and third-party software exhibits crash symptoms, suggesting the issue lies in iOS itself.
Update: AppleInsider reader Rosyna reached out to clarify that the bug apparently affects earlier versions of iOS 9 as well, dating back as far as iOS 9.0.2. The largest culprit appears to be the official Booking.com iOS app, which has since been updated to prevent the associated crashes. Still, users who had already installed Booking.com continue to see problems, and await Apple's fix.
While users await Apple's software update, some have found limited success in disabling JavaScript (accessible in Settings > Safari > Advanced). Others say performing a long press operation on a link in Chrome bypasses the bug, but the solution is hit-or-miss.
Though a total of seven betas were released for iOS 9.3, last week's software launch has seen a number of problems, including an issue that prohibited older iPhones and iPads from completing the activation process, rendering those devices unusable.
Apple was prompted to temporarily pull the update, and released an updated version of iOS 9.3 on Monday to address the other bug.
Comments
There are more technical details in the comment thread on Ars Technica. http://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/03/poorly-behaved-app-causing-crashes-and-link-problems-for-some-ios-9-x-users/?comments=1
This bug must depend on a certain set of circumstances because I don't have it on my devices and it didn't show in Beta (Ipad 2 and Air 2).
So, your assessment of why it happen is likely not complete; that's probably the reason why it is still not fixe?
Why not go back to 9.2.1, if it was such a pain? That's what I had suggested to people as soon as it happened last week, but seemingly people prefer bitching.
Please read the other comments. The reason is because the bad data file was uploaded to Booking's servers last week.
Since I have not used Booking.com, why would a bad data file on their server have any bearing on my iPhone? Is Apple's own email program routing web links, including links to www.apple.com through Booking.com's servers?
I have an iphone 6 plus - can't use any links in my email, can't use safari, it is now delayed when I press anything, the whole phone seems like it stuffed - so annoyed!
I'm one of those for whom the bug manifested in 9.2.1. It just started last Friday, the 25th. As far as I can recall, I've made no changes to my phone for at least two weeks prior to that. This suggests that it's not wholly the fault of iOS, but of something else on my device.
Unfortunately, removing the booking.com app had no effect, the problem remained. The only thing that fixed it was a complete restore to a much earlier backup, from mid December, and I know I've made changes in that period.