Apple has announced that it is addressing a software issue following criticism for the appearance of the Palestinian flag emoji when some iPhone users type "Jerusalem" using the device's keyboard.
Television presenter Rachel Riley brought attention to the problem on X, previously known as Twitter, revealing that the flag emoji suggestion started showing up after she updated her iPhone software to the latest version, iOS 17.4.1.
"[N]ow, when I type the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, I'm offered the Palestinian flag emoji. This didn't occur on my phone immediately before this update," Riley explained.
The Palestinian flag emoji, as shown in a screenshot of an iPhone screen, appears prominently for some users but not all. Riley shared a list of other city names, such as London and Buenos Aires, that she claimed do not trigger country flags when typed — "let alone the wrong one."
Apple devices' keyboards feature small cartoon-like images, or "emojis," that users can utilize to add flair to their text or convey emotions beyond words.
Apple's "predictive text" function recommends specific emojis based on the words and phrases users input, allowing them to select the suggested icon to replace the intended word.
Apple has acknowledged and is addressing a flaw that was mistakenly included in the latest software update. The company stated, "We're aware of a bug within predictive emoji in keyboard and it is not intended behavior. A fix will be in the next iOS update," in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.
Riley, a popular television presenter whose post gained widespread attention, criticized Apple for what she described as "antisemitism."
"Displaying double standards concerning Israel is a manifestation of antisemitism, which in itself is a type of racism against Jewish individuals," Riley expressed on X. "Please clarify whether this was a deliberate action by your company, or if you are unable to control rogue programmers. Sincerely, a Jewish woman alarmed by the global increase in antisemitism."
