Apple says it is working to fix a problem that results in lost text messages for former iPhone owners. The issue stems from Apple’s iMessage service, which can be used to send either SMS or IM messages between iOS devices.
The intent of the system was to allow iPhone owners to reduce their reliance on carrier-based SMS services, and possibly even save money on their monthly bill. While the system works as intended for iOS device owners, iPhone customers who choose to buy a new, different handset – but keep the same phone number – are losing texts to the iMessage void. One California consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, alleging its iMessage problem deprives former customers from deriving the full value of their new handset, as well as interfering with the services offered by the wireless network operator.
Apple has not addressed the litigation, but said in a statement provided to Re/Code, “We recently fixed a server-side iMessage bug which was causing an issue for some users, and we have an additional bug fix in a future software update. For users still experiencing an issue, please contact AppleCare.” Apple didn’t say how soon it might fully resolve the problem.
