iPhone 1.1.3 update reveals SMS issue

Apple's latest iPhone firmware update, version 1.1.3, has revealed an an issue that causes SMS text messages to appear out of order for some users. The issue first appeared on the Cupertino-based company's own support forums on January 15th, according to InformationWeek, and quickly grew into a massive topic that garnered 11,000 views and 193 replies. Most forum posters experiencing the problem appear to be UK-based O2 customers, and Apple has posted a technical note acknowledging the problem with a short explanation.

Apple wrote: "When sending or receiving text messages on the iPhone, the SMS messages may be displayed out of sequence. This can occur if the iPhone is not displaying the same date and time setting as the carrier network time."

The company also offered a potential fix to the problem, guiding users through the process of configuring network time: "Make sure iPhone is setup to receive the network time. Choose General > Date & Time and turn Set Automatically to ON. (Note that in some locations, network time may not be available and in some cases, you may not see this option). If the issue continues after turning this setting on, the issue may be occurring because messages are being sent in quick succession (more common if the messages consist of only a few short words)."

"This document will be updated as more information becomes available," Apple concluded.

Filed under: iPhone, Apple
Other story tags: SMS