Apple has addressed a “rare” bug causing deleted photos to reappear on iOS devices. The issue, linked to “database corruption,” led to old, deleted photos resurfacing after the iOS 17.5 update on May 13. Users reported seeing images from as far back as 2010.
Apple explained that a corrupt database entry prevented some photos from being fully deleted from iPhones. These files remained in the system and eventually reappeared in users’ photo libraries. Importantly, iCloud Photos was not responsible for this glitch.
The problem has been fixed with the iOS 17.5.1 update. This update “provides important bug fixes and addresses a rare issue where photos that experienced database corruption could reappear in the Photos library even if they were deleted,” according to Apple’s patch notes.
In a detailed explanation shared with 9to5Mac, Apple clarified that affected photos wouldn’t sync to iCloud Photos. However, they might be included when the file system itself was copied, such as during an iPhone backup to an external hard drive or through device-to-device transfers.
Apple emphasized that this bug impacted only a “very small number” of photo files. Photos or videos deleted from an iOS device are typically sent to the Recently Deleted folder, where users have 30 days to recover them before they are permanently erased.
The Recently Deleted folder allows users to either restore or permanently delete files. Apple recommends using the permanent delete option to ensure files are “purged permanently and immediately.” Additionally, users can permanently erase all iPhone data using the Erase All Content and Settings function.
Apple reassured users that it prioritizes security and privacy, with no access to user photos and videos. The company also refuted a Reddit claim about deleted photos resurfacing on an iPad, which the user has since removed.
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