Google Apologises For Gmail iPhone App Bug

It is not known when the improved mobile app will be available

12:27pm UK, Thursday November 03, 2011

The app was launched on Wednesday – but a backlash began almost immediately and the company confirmed it contained a bug.

Users saw an error message that read: “No valid ‘aps-environment’ entitlement string found for application.”

This appeared to refer to a problem with the push notifications which include displaying the number of unread messages on the app icon.

In a tweet Google said: “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 app was removed from the Apple iTunes store and, in a post on the Gmail blog, product manager Matthew Izatt wrote: “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.”

The mobile web app was designed to improve the efficiency of receiving and sending emails while on the go.

Time-saving features include being alerted to new mail with push notifications and sounds and finding emails in seconds by searching your entire inbox.

The iPad app includes a split-pane view with threaded email conversations shown on one side of the screen.

It is not known when a fixed version will be available to download again.