App Store bug forces users to reinstall iOS apps

Users should uninstall and reinstall iOS apps that won’t launch. That’s what several developers say. Apple is said to have made a mistake with binaries, which means that many apps no longer work after an update.

The binary flaw affects the free version of Angry Birds Space HD, Instapaper and alternative browser Dolphin HS, among others, The Next Web reports. The tech site has put online a list of apps that may be affected. It’s not just apps for iOS, but also apps distributed through the Mac App Store.

After downloading an update of an app, users get an error message on launch that the app cannot be started. Developers therefore recommend removing the app in its entirety and reinstalling it via the App Store, so that the app could start again.

According to the developer of GoodReader, Apple distributes wrong binaries with an update. That would only happen if apps are updated on the device itself. There would be no problem with iTunes. Apple itself has not responded to the problems.