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AN IPHONE bug lets you send fake links to your pals – so be wary if you receive any unexpected links on iMessage.

Pranksters can use the newly discovered trick to lead you onto websites you wouldn't normally visit – or get your hopes up for some completely fake news.

 You can create fake story links that trick you into clicking
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You can create fake story links that trick you into clickingCredit: The Sun

What is the iPhone fake text prank?

When you share website links over iMessage from Safari, Apple will show a snippet of the story – with an image and a headline.

But a bug makes it possible to rewrite the headline on the article's link preview, as spotted by MacRumors.

This means you can disguise the link you're sending as something else entirely, tricking people into clicking on it.

Devious pranksters could use this to send their pals to a site they weren't expecting – or trick them into thinking a really great announcement (like an iPhone launch) had happened, even though it hadn't.

 It involves tricking Safari into borrowing text you've typed for an article snippet
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It involves tricking Safari into borrowing text you've typed for an article snippetCredit: The Sun

How to do the iPhone fake text prank

First, you need to find a website with a search function. And even then, it doesn't always work – depending on how the search bar works.

Then follow these steps:

  • Click on the search bar on the website (not the Safari URL bar)
  • Type in your headline text
  • Select all of the text by holding down and pressing Select All
  • Flip your iPhone into landscape mode
  • Tap the share icon next to the URL bar at the top
  • Select Messages and then send it to your chosen victim
 Most websites with search bars can be used in the prank
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Most websites with search bars can be used in the prankCredit: The Sun

You can create fake headlines, like one suggesting that Game of Thrones has been cancelled.

You should also be wary of friends rebranding the title of an adult website and promising you it's a safe link – because it almost certainly isn't.

Sadly, it's entirely possible that Apple will fix this bug at some point in the future – so enjoy it while you can.

 The trick only works on Apple's iMessage
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The trick only works on Apple's iMessageCredit: The Sun

Apple fans will want to read all about the long-rumoured iPhone 11.

Your iPhone is getting a new Dark Mode later this year, but you can get a similar feature right now with this trick.

This simple iPhone trick makes your screen look brighter and more colourful.

Do you know any great iPhone tricks? Let us know in the comments!


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