In today's interconnected world, smartphones allow us to stay in touch with loved ones, manage our daily tasks, and keep up with the news.

Technology has become a lifeline to the outside world for many of us.

So, when an essential service experiences a widespread outage, it's more than just an inconvenience—it disrupts our way of life.

iPhone users across the globe were recently left in the dark when iMessage, Apple's messaging service, went down.

The outage, reported on Apple's System Status webpage, occurred between 7:49 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. last Friday, May 17.

The outage affected other services like FaceTime and Apple Messages for Business.

iMessage users experienced an outage, disrupting Apple-made messaging apps' services last Friday, May 17. Image Credit: Pexels/PhotoMix Company

Users could not send messages, which caused distress to those trying to coordinate with family or manage important affairs.

The good news is that Apple has since reported the issue as resolved.

However, this incident raises important questions about our reliance on technology and how we can mitigate the impact of such outages.

Outages, while inconvenient, are a reminder of the importance of having backup communication plans.

Having alternative apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger installed on your device can ensure you remain connected even if one service fails.

Additionally, traditional methods like SMS or even a phone call can serve as reliable standbys when modern messaging apps are down.

Moreover, it's crucial to stay informed about the security and stability of our services.

Apple is generally known for its robust security measures, but incidents like this can prompt you to review your phone's privacy settings and update your passwords.

Keep an eye on official channels for any announcements regarding service disruptions.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of managing these services.

Many community centres offer tech support for seniors, and family members are often more than willing to assist with setting up alternative communication methods or updating device settings.

Lastly, let's talk about the emotional impact of such outages.

In a world where we're expected to be online and available, it can be stressful when technology fails us.

However, it is okay to be offline for a while, for these moments can be an opportunity to take a break from the constant connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• Apple's iMessage services experienced a widespread outage last Friday, May 17.
• iPhone users were impacted by the inability to send messages through iMessage.
• The issue was reported on Apple's System Status webpage, and the disruption lasted approximately 46 minutes.
• FaceTime and Apple Messages for Business were also affected during this outage.

Were you affected by iMessage's outage? Do you have any tips or tricks for staying connected when your favourite apps go down? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.

 

[Liz]

Yes the old fashioned landline which most people don't seem to have these days. It is nice to get away from technology for a while or am I the only one?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Let me introduce you to the infallible, indestructible, unhackable perfect world of Apple!

I await the rolling pin to the back of the head....

 

[JimmyFlatrock]

I've never purchased an iPhone and most iPhone users wouldn't touch an Android.

Nah, no fuss with that, it just a type of text service. Going down has been described in the text as causing distress. Can't see how. I have Messages and Chat Messenger loaded to accommodate all my contacts and then there is the call icon where you can actually speak with a person!

Back to the iPhone, and as far as it goes, now where did I put that rolling pin.... Can never find the bloody thing when I want it...

 

[Veggiepatch]

I've never purchased an iPhone and most iPhone users wouldn't touch an Android.

Nah, no fuss with that, it just a type of text service. Going down has been described in the text as causing distress. Can't see how. I have Messages and Chat Messenger loaded to accommodate all my contacts and then there is the call icon where you can actually speak with a person!

Back to the iPhone, and as far as it goes, now where did I put that rolling pin.... Can never find the bloody thing when I want it...

I was expecting the rolling pin from someone sitting a couple of feet from me....

 

[BabsL]

Completely unimpressed w shrieking wealthy Apple. I kept getting the msg that my internet connection was out, yet everything else connected as it should.
This is the first time I hv been made aware of Apple’s outage. Why do they not simply issue a Press statement as soon as the problem has been found and resolved. Or is it that Apple is so big it just does not care?

 

[DLHM]

Let me introduce you to the infallible, indestructible, unhackable perfect world of Apple!

I await the rolling pin to the back of the head....

I’m not biting….

 

[BabsL]

Yes the old fashioned landline which most people don't seem to have these days. It is nice to get away from technology for a while or am I the only one?

I most sincerely wish I still had my landline. I always knew where it was and it was always connected. No searching for it under the sofa, in the bathroom & kitchen, searching the car at midnight, etc. With my landline, it never needed charging and I could comfortably move around or continue cooking with the handset safely & comfortably tucked under my chin.
There was never any terror of it falling into the sink!
I could even ring my mobile when misplaced and hear it ringing, and retrieve the rotten thing.
I want my landline back!

 

[DLHM]

Completely unimpressed w shrieking wealthy Apple. I kept getting the msg that my internet connection was out, yet everything else connected as it should.
This is the first time I hv been made aware of Apple’s outage. Why do they not simply issue a Press statement as soon as the problem has been found and resolved. Or is it that Apple is so big it just does not care?

The outage, reported on Apple's System Status webpage, occurred between 7:49 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. last Friday, May 17.

Those 46 minutes didn’t affect me and I doubt the “Press statement” would have made any difference considering it was a worldwide outage.

If you feel Apple is an uncaring company, why bother buying their product? Do you honestly think the Android phone companies are more caring?

 

[DLHM]

I most sincerely wish I still had my landline. I always knew where it was and it was always connected. No searching for it under the sofa, in the bathroom & kitchen, searching the car at midnight, etc. With my landline, it never needed charging and I could comfortably move around or continue cooking with the handset safely & comfortably tucked under my chin.
There was never any terror of it falling into the sink!
I could even ring my mobile when misplaced and hear it ringing, and retrieve the rotten thing.
I want my landline back!

I’m happy not to have my landline. I had many more scam calls with that than I’ve ever had with my smartphones, past and present.

 

[PattiB]

I was expecting the rolling pin from someone sitting a couple of feet from me....

Lucky I won’t be in Perth till December Veggiepatch! Though my son doesn’t have a rolling pin so maybe I’ll get him a special heavy duty one so if you get whacked around the ears one day you’ll know I’ve arrived.

 

[Rob44]

Yes the old fashioned landline which most people don't seem to have these days. It is nice to get away from technology for a while or am I the only one?

Yes; and the NBN landline system now works through your modem, not transmission cables. So when you modem doesn't get electricity...................... Nowt quite like copper wire and cheque-books.

 

[Rob44]

I’m happy not to have my landline. I had many more scam calls with that than I’ve ever had with my smartphones, past and present.

You need that landline to telephone your mobile phone to learn where you have left it..........funny old world! As for scam calls, easily recognised and dealt with by voice on a landline

 

[DLHM]

You need that landline to telephone your mobile phone to learn where you have left it..........funny old world! As for scam calls, easily recognised and dealt with by voice on a landline

There are apps for both iOS and Android phones to locate your phone. Also there are Apple Air Tags to locate phone, keys, wallets etc. But they’re not free, from what I know. Yes, another money making feature available.