Los Angeles: Apple is working to fix an issue with its iOS software that allows users to shut down any iPhone with a simple text. The message also affects the Apple Watch, iPad and any other iOS mobile device.

‘We are aware of an iMessage issue caused by a specific series of unicode characters and we will make a fix available in a software update,’ Apple said in a statement.

The bug, first discovered by Reddit user cbhunt14, instantly crashes the iPhone after receiving the Unicode message and causes the system to reboot.

Some users are using the Apple glitch as a prank and shutting off their friends’ phones, while others have reportedly experienced more serious problems with their mobile devices.

Those worried about receiving the defect can protect their phones by disabling notification banners.