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Kindle iOS app update deletes entire libraries, Amazon warns against downloading

Ian Kar
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Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to CNET, some Apple iOS users received an unpleasant surprise when they updated their Amazon Kindle app earlier today. The update contained a glitch that completely wiped Kindle libraries from their device.

After receiving complaints that the update erased a user’s entire library, Amazon added a note in the “What’s New” section that read: “There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time.” Naturally, those users who saw the warning were confused. Why would Amazon release an update and then say not to download it? 

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As most mobile users don’t read the fine print when updating apps (it’s just as easy to click update and wait for the new and – what’s assumed to be – improved app to load on your phone), downloading the harmful update was all too easy. The release note was located in the “What’s New” drop down menu, so many users downloaded the update unknowing that it had the potential to erase their library.

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An Amazon spokesperson told CNET that the company had identified the bug within the app update and said that users simply had to re-enter their Amazon account information for all content to return from the cloud. 

Amazon released a new update this afternoon, version 3.6.2, that contains a “fix for registration issue” and “various bug fixes and security fixes.” No word if the new update actually fixes the problem for users who actually downloaded Kindle for iOS version 3.6.1 or if it simply eliminates the issue.

One thing’s for sure; we’ll definitely be a lot better about reading the “What’s New” section before downloading any apps in the future. 

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Ian Kar
Ian Kar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ian Kar writes mostly about technology and entertainment news. He loves writing about Apple products, rumors about gadgets…
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