Apple says a fix for iOS 9.3 Safari crashes is coming 'soon'
If you’re having problems with crashes or apps hanging when you tap links, either in Safari or other apps on iOS 9.3, there’s a fix coming. Apple issued a brief statement, reported by 9to5Mac: “We are aware of this issue, and we will release a fix in a software update soon.”
How soon is soon?
Considering how high profile this particular glitch is, I would expect to see the software update rolling out within a matter of days.
Of course, that doesn’t say when the update will come, but we can pretty much assume that Apple is working hard and fast on this one. Hundreds of reports of this problem have been posted on the Apple Support forums, and many angry users have gone to Twitter to try getting some help from AppleSupport. Considering how high profile this particular glitch is, I would expect to see the software update rolling out within a matter of days.
@AppleSupport Following iOS 9.3 update links in safari no longer open, then safari crashes – any ideas how to fix?
— Rob Crashley (@RobCrashley) March 27, 2016
What’s happening here?
While Apple hasn’t said for sure, the problem seems to be related to the universal links feature introduced in iOS 9. Apps that take advantage of these universal links maintain a website association file that determines which links an app can open. Apparently some developers have made their website association files a bit too robust and large, and they’re overloading the system software within iOS that processes the links.
How will it get fixed?
Some of the app developers have already corrected their website association files, and sources tell 9to5Mac that Apple is working with several high-profile developers to make better, more efficient use of the universal links. Furthermore, we can hopefully presume that the upcoming update will let iOS do a better job of handling larger website association files, rather than choking on them.
Does that mean it’s safe to install iOS 9.3 now?
No, not yet. Apple hasn’t said when it expects to release the software update, but this is an issue affecting a large number of people. It’s also disruptive of a pretty major activity people do on their iPhones and iPads: tap links. With all of that in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bug fix by the end of the week. Sit tight and wait for the new release, then update your iOS device.
