Apple has released a partial update to its iPhone software that disables the Palestinian flag emoji that appears when users type the word “Jerusalem.”
The issue was controversial, with critics saying the names of other cities did not trigger flag emojis. Both Israel and Palestinians claim the Old City. Apple previously told the BBC that the appearance of the flag when writing Jerusalem was not intentional. Reports Technology News.
According to Apple, the problem is related to unwanted behavior in emojis. iPhone can display emojis when words are typed in messages and other apps. Users saw the flag introduced after the company released iOS 17.4.1, the latest publicly available version of the software that runs its mobile devices. Critics like TV reporter Rachel Riley demanded Apple explain why the flag appeared, especially when other cities didn’t offer
flag emojis when typed.
She wrote on social media: “Exposing double standards towards Israel is a form of anti-Semitism.”
There are currently Apple certificates in the “Developer beta” version of iOS 17.5 released on Tuesday. The Apple Developer Program allows software developers to sign up for early versions of software (called beta) so they can test the software they’ve developed. In the new update, no emojis are required when the user writes “Jerusalem” in line with other cities.