Apple accused of antisemitism as typing Jerusalem prompts Palestinian flag emoji

Apple has been accused of antisemitism after its iPhones started prompting a Palestinian flag emoji when users typed Jerusalem in a text message.

The prompt was first noted by prominent UK Jewish TV presenter Rachel Riley.

In a post on X, Riley says this had started happening after the latest software update. She also notes that other countries had the correct flag appear when typing their capital cities.

“Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people,” Riley writes. “Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers.”

In a statement to the BBC, Apple says that the change was not intentional and would be remedied in a future software update. It did not say when that would happen.

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. However, many countries do not recognize this, saying the fate of the holy city needs to be settled in a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, who also claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

Dear @Apple @AppleSupport @tim_cook

I’ve just upgraded my software to version iOS 17.4.1, and now, when I type the capital of Israel ????????, Jerusalem, I’m offered the Palestinian flag emoji. ???????? This didn’t occur on my phone immediately before this update.

Below is a… pic.twitter.com/Cw9TDmE6VD

— Rachel Riley MBE ???? (@RachelRileyRR) April 9, 2024