Google released the first native Gmail app for iOS this morning, but it didn’t go over well. Not only was the app lacking in some desired features, like multiple accounts, but one of the new features didn’t even work and caused a rough first launch. The app showed a big error message upon opening caused by broken push notifications.
Well, a “Googla culpa” has been issued. Dave Girouard – the “apps guy at Google” – said on Google Plus this morning: “Sorry but we pushed a bad version of our iOS app for Gmail. More info shortly – we’re working on it.” The app has now been pulled from the store.
The launch announcement on the Gmail Blog has been updated to read:
“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. 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.”
Paul Haddad, half of iOS developer duo Tapbots, said on Twitter that “the Gmail push bug is really easy to make and hard to catch before going live.”
Google has pulled the app from the store while fixing the problem. Users who installed it earlier this morning are still able to use it (once they get past that error message).
Hopeful Gmail for iOS users were greeted with this message upon launching
