Apple recently released an update for iOS, focused on fixing a bug that could cause some photos to appear in the Gallery that were deleted in the past, as some users reported deleting photos years ago from their devices and iCloud accounts. However, more details are now known about the origin of the problems.
By analyzing the source code of iOS 17.5.1, more details about the origin of the problem are now known. Obviously, the fault will not be in iCloud, nor in Apple storing data even after deleting it, but in a bug in the operating system itself, which would restore data on users’ devices.
At the time, one Reddit user claimed that photos deleted in 2010 would appear on their device, even though they had been completely deleted from the device and from iCloud. However, according to company investigators synactive, who analyzed the source code of the new update, the problem will be related to the cache system present in the system. This error may cause the system to consider that some old photos, saved in the device’s cache, were taken recently.
These photos will be stored in the system cache, cannot be accessed directly by users or Apple, and will also not be linked to iCloud.
Although Apple has not confirmed the details of the failure nor its origin, the changes made to the code make it clear that it will be at this stage. Affected devices may not have been fully formatted since the time the content was deleted, and remain in cache.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.