Google pulled its Gmail app from the Apple App Store shortly after launch because it contained a bug that disrupted the notification feature. The app was designed to bring the full Gmail experience to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices.
Matthew Izatt, product manager at Google, confirmed that the app had a bug and that engineers were working on a fix.
“Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS. Unfortunately, it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app,” he said in the Official Gmail Blog. “We’ve removed the app while we correct the problem, and we’re working to bring you a new version soon. Everyone who’s already installed the app can continue to use it.”
Google also took to Twitter to apologize to its followers. “The iOS app we launched today contained a bug with notifications. We have pulled the app to fix the problem. Sorry we messed up,” the firm said from the @Gmail account.
Google has not said when the app is expected to return, but the company will want to get it back in the App Store as soon as possible.
Feedback on the app was mostly negative, with a number of people expressing disappointment on Twitter. Many pointed out the bug, and reported that it was generally slow and provided no support for multiple accounts.
A slew of stories blasted Google for releasing a shoddy product – tech sites ranted about the iOS app being “disappointing,” “garbage,” “junk,” “a sick joke” and “unusable” – to the point where you’d think the world was ending. Here’s a collection of stories via Techmeme.
This article was originally published on V3.