It has been a chaotic 24 hours. Following the release of iOS 9.3, thousands of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users found they were essentially unable to browse the web. Now
“We are aware of this issue, and we will release a fix in a software update soon”
Update March 31, 2016: I was right! Apple has released iOS 9.3.1 specifically to fix the links bug. Forbes contributor Amit Chowdry has the news. I'll have an analysis of the update and information on any new features, secrets or bugs it may contain soon. So if you aren't affected by the links bug I'd advise holding off to be sure iOS 9.3.1 has bugs given its fast turn around time.
It is not surprising Apple spoke up so quickly (and we can perhaps blame the Easter weekend for a statement not coming even sooner) as abuse has been raining down on the company, particular across social media. Most prominent has been
The Apple iOS 9.3 Safari links bug has led to a flood angry user complaints on Twitter. Image... [+]
For those unaffected by the bug, it effectively renders web browsing useless since any time a link is clicked - both in Safari and many third party apps and browsers - it causes a lock-up which even a restart will not fix.
While Apple did not specifically reveal what causes the flaw, customer support has been telling users to switch off JavaScript as a temporary measure (Settings > Safari > Advanced). This leads to a significantly degraded browsing experience, but it just about does for now (and also points the finger at issues surrounding Apple’s new Universal Links).
Of course the irony to all this iOS 9.3 was Apple’s most heavily tested release in a long time with no less than seven public and developer betas. This was justified given it has a number of great new features, but now all eyes with be on iOS 9.3.1 and the clock is ticking…
___
Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+
More On Forbes
Apple iOS 9.3 Has A Serious New Problem
Apple Confirms iOS 9.3 Causes iPad, iPhone Problems
Apple iOS 9.3: Should You Upgrade?
