New iPhone Software Bug Crashes Home Screens with Simple Four-Character Phrase

A recently discovered software bug has started affecting iPhones and iPads, causing their home screens to crash. The issue stems from users typing a specific four-character phrase, which triggers a malfunction in the SpringBoard app—a crucial component responsible for running the home screen.

The problem occurs when “::” is typed in three specific locations on the device: the search function on the home screen, the search bar in the App Library, and the search bar in the Settings app. When this sequence is entered, the home screen immediately crashes, although there is no significant risk of long-term damage to the device.

The vulnerability was first reported by a security researcher on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). While similar bugs have been identified in the past, such as in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020, this particular issue is not linked to a cyber attack but rather a minor security flaw in the iOS system.

Apple users are advised not to experiment with this phrase to ensure their devices remain functional and to wait for an official update from Apple that resolves the issue.