In a statement to Re/code, Apple has acknowledged the iMessage issue which affects customers who switch away from the iPhone, without disabling iMessage. This means that texts to these users are never delivered, as iPhone devices continue to use the iMessage protocol on the phone number that is no longer associated with an iPhone. Aside from a second-hand report by an AppleCare representative, this is Apple’s first official response to the recent criticism.

Ina Fried reports for 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,” Apple told Re/code in a statement. “For users still experiencing an issue, please contact AppleCare.”

The nature of the software update is not clear, but likely means that iPhones more quickly revert to SMS when iMessage fails. The report also says that a server bug was preventing AppleCare representatives from intervening when customers called up about the fault. Apple says this has now been rectified and directs users to its support page that specifically discusses deactivating iMessage.

Despite the issue existing since iOS 5, the issue has captured public attention recently. Last week, Apple was sued over the problem in California on anti-competitive grounds.

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