FAQ
TL;DR: iOS 11.2.6, released Feb 19, 2018, fixes iPhone X crashes from "certain character sequences." Apple: "Fixes an issue where using certain character sequences could cause apps to crash." Update or use recovery mode to install it. [“About iOS 11 Updates”]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps iPhone X owners hit by the 2018 iOS character-crash recover fast, protect data, and navigate service options.
Quick Facts
- Patch: iOS 11.2.6 shipped on Feb 19, 2018 and fixes crashes from certain character sequences. [“About iOS 11 Updates”]
- Trigger: A single character could crash Messages and other apps on iOS 11.2.5; watchOS and macOS were affected too. [“Apple promises to fix iOS bug that crashes apps when a character is received”]
- Service outcome: One user received a replacement device and later had the original returned on request for data. [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17068691]
- Data recovery cost: A forum tech estimated iPhone data recovery at “at least in thousands” (currency unspecified). [Elektroda, szkielko1, post #17052201]
- Cosmetic damage note: Another user reported tiny scratch‑like marks weren’t treated as damage during intake. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #17051656]
Did a Wi‑Fi network name with a symbol really crash my iPhone X?
Yes. iOS 11.2.5 had a text‑rendering bug triggered by a specific character. When the character appeared anywhere the system displayed text, apps crashed and the device could respring repeatedly. That included Messages and many third‑party apps. The Wi‑Fi radio was fine; the character’s rendering caused the failures. [“Apple promises to fix iOS bug that crashes apps when a character is received”]
What’s the fastest way to update and stop the crashes?
Open Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS. If crashes block this, connect your iPhone to a computer and update using Finder or iTunes. This is Apple’s fastest supported method to finish the update. [“Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch”]
What exactly does iOS 11.2.6 fix?
Apple states: "Fixes an issue where using certain character sequences could cause apps to crash." iOS 11.2.6 was released on February 19, 2018. Install it to neutralize the crash sequence across system and third‑party apps. [“About iOS 11 Updates”]
Will Apple attempt data recovery under warranty?
A forum member noted you usually choose between paid data recovery and a warranty replacement. They doubted an authorized warranty team would perform data extraction. Expect a swap, not recovery, in a standard warranty flow. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #17051587]
Will minor scratches void the warranty intake?
One user reported that very small cracks resembling superficial scratches were not treated as damage during intake. They suggested such marks didn’t disqualify warranty service. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #17051656]
What did Apple Service do in this case?
The original poster says Apple issued a second iPhone X. On request, they returned the original device for data access. After installing iOS 11.2.6, the original booted again, leaving them with two devices. [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17068691]
How can I update if my iPhone keeps rebooting?
Use recovery mode on a computer:
- Connect iPhone to a Mac/PC and open Finder or iTunes.
- Enter recovery mode, then choose Update to reinstall iOS without erasing.
- If Update fails or loops, choose Restore; this erases all data.
These are Apple’s recovery‑mode steps. [“If you can’t update or restore your iPhone or iPad”]
Can this bug lock up apps beyond Messages?
Yes. Reports show popular messaging and email apps crash when they render the character. Notifications can also trigger a SpringBoard crash, causing repeated resprings and lockouts until cleared. Update to remove the trigger. [“Apple promises to fix iOS bug that crashes apps when a character is received”]
Does this bug affect Macs or Apple Watch?
Yes. The same character also affected watchOS and macOS, crashing apps that tried to display it. Apple acknowledged the problem and prepared updates across platforms at the time. [“Apple promises to fix iOS bug that crashes apps when a character is received”]
How much does professional iPhone data recovery cost?
A forum technician commented that iPhone data recovery runs “at least in thousands” (currency unspecified). Budget for a significant bill if you select this option. [Elektroda, szkielko1, post #17052201]
After updating to 11.2.6, do I still need to avoid the character?
No. Apple’s patch neutralizes the crash sequence. After updating, receiving or displaying the sequence no longer crashes apps or the system. [“About iOS 11 Updates”]
Is my iPhone X hardware faulty because of this?
Unlikely. The OP’s original device worked normally after installing iOS 11.2.6. That outcome indicates a software flaw rather than a hardware failure. [Elektroda, Ordine, post #17068691]
