Fix macOS and iOS fixes bug that caused WhatsApp to crash due to Indian character

Apple has released macOS 10.13.3 and iOS 11.2.6, both of which contain a fix for the “telugu” bug. That bug causes Messages and WhatsApp to crash on devices when users use a certain Indian character.

The updates for both iOS and macOS state that Apple has addressed the bug. It is a character of the Indian Telugu language, which is spoken in one state of the country. Receiving a message and pasting it into a text box results in a crash, but with a notification the home screen can crash and a restart threatens to boot.

In addition to iOS and macOS, watchOS, the operating system of the Apple Watch, is also affected and it has also been updated with a fix.

The Telugu bug came to light last week. Even then it was clear that Apple would release an interim fix and would not wait for the release of major new versions of its operating systems. Apple will release iOS 11.3 this spring, which will contain many new features.

Screenshot of macOS update notification in Mac App Store. Source: Ars Technica