Skip to main content

Gmail iPhone app goes live, promptly removed due to bug

Super_Gmail_Logo1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The rumored native Gmail app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is real, but anyone who hasn’t already downloaded the app will have to wait just a little bit longer to get it. Google released the long-awaited Gmail app into the iTunes App Store (iTunes link) today, only to have to take it down after a bug was discovered that the left users faced with error messages.

“Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS,” writes Gmail product manager Matthew Izatt on the Gmail blog. “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.”

Once the bug is fixed, users will have access to a slew of features previously unavailable to iOS device users. Speed, efficiency, touchscreen functionality, and iOS Push Notifications take top billing in the features department.

Deep search functionality, email address autocomplete and photo uploads are all included features. As are the option to view your Priority Inbox, and greater organizational features, like archiving, labeling, and starring, among others.

As far as touchscreen options go, Gmail for iOS enables pull-down refresh, swiping through labels and fast scrolling.

These are all features Android users have been enjoying for sometime. And the option of a native Gmail app — rather than running Gmail through the mail app in iOS, which strips much of the functionality out of Gmail — has long been a selling point for Android. Not anymore, however. Or, at least, not once Google fixes the bug.

The Gmail app will be available for any iOS device that runs iOS 4 or above.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
How to find your lost phone (tips for iPhone and Android)
The Motorola Edge Plus 2023 lying next to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro.

Not knowing how to find your smartphone can cause a real panic when the need arises. It likely has way too much information about you, has access to your bank details and stock portfolio, and can grant access into pretty much any personal sphere of your life. Plus, you're likely addicted to your smartphone in ways that no device has ever addicted humankind before. In short, if you've lost your phone, you may start to panic.

Read more
iPhone 16: news, rumored price, release date, and more
A person holding the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

We're a few months removed from the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so you know what that means: iPhone 16 rumors are in full force. Talk is heating up about everything from design leaks and rumored specs to camera changes and more.

Read more
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Natural Titanium iPhone 15 Pro with Chopper and BD-1 droids around it.

Apple releases multiple iPhones every year, offering folks choice in terms of size and features. In 2024, the iPhone 15 lineup includes four distinct models.

The regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are great for those who don’t need a telephoto lens and don’t care about the Action button or the 1TB of storage. But anyone who wants a more “pro” experience has the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Read more