Google releases official iOS Gmail app, then pulls it (updated)

Google finally released a standalone Gmail app for the iPhone and iPad, but subsequently pulled it because of bug issues related to notification errors. This comes alongside changes to Gmail's web interface.

The Gmail for iOS has the following features:

Notification badges
Read email via threaded conversations
Organize email through archiving, labels, starring, deleting and reporting spam
Priority inbox
Send and receive attachments
Comprehensive email search

Those in the TUAW newsroom who've already downloaded the app say it's pretty nice thus far, though there were already a couple of reports of notification errors.

Until now, iOS users had to program Gmail into Apple's iOS Mail client which, while serviceable, lacked many features available to Android users, who've had a native Gmail app for awhile. These include labels, starring and the priority inbox.

~~The free app is available now via the App Store.~~

Update (2:27 p.m. ET): The Gmail app has been pulled from the App Store, which is not surprising noting the number of errors being reported among our staff and on Twitter. We'll keep you up to date on any further information regarding why the app was pulled.

Update (2:40 p.m. ET): Google updated its Gmail announcement post with the following: "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."

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Source: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gmail/id422689480?mt=8

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Google finally released a standalone Gmail app for the iPhone and iPad, but subsequently pulled it because of bug issues related to...

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John Zabba McLean

it looks like ics on iPad.

November 03 2011 at 5:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

vterm

I manage to download it, before they pull it up!
The app has no pinch to zoom!!!!!
When you view an email in html format there is not way to zoom in or zoom out so the email can fit the screen.
You are forced to slide your finger from one end of the screen to the other to read each line!
Really Google?
Why don't you keep your GMail App for your crappy Android devices?

November 02 2011 at 6:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

cvd11

still no push notification alerts and sounds? only badges? i guess third-party gmail apps will still be necessary after all.

November 02 2011 at 4:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to cvd11's comment

drakfyre

http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=138740&topic=14252

This sets you up with full Push for your Google email, contacts and/or calendars, no third party crapware needed.

November 02 2011 at 9:02 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to drakfyre's comment

cvd11

no, that's only push synch and badges. google does not nor never has offered push alerts (the window/message that pops up when you get a new message).

November 03 2011 at 4:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down

I guess it's nice that 3rd party email clients are allowed, but I'm struggling with finding any real benefit to using it. "Lacked many features..." I don't really see that. If you use IMAP as the access method rather than (shudder) POP3, then you can have the labels turned into IMAP folders, along with the priority and starred stuff, which I don't really find particularly useful anyway. The iOS gmail search used to be better than the standard mail app, but that seems to have improved in the latest iOS releases.

I occasionally use the GMail web interface on both desktops and mobile, but don't find it particularly compelling to use over Mail.app on OS X, nor over the included mail app on iOS, both of which work exceptionally well for me in a high-volume email based workflow. I do end up using gmail's web interface when switching around my non-primary systems and think it is great for a web interface, to the extent that I've not even bothered setting up Outlook on my Windows systems, and after working with the included in the OS Windows mail client for a while, just stopped using it and went back to the GMail web page, mostly because of great search capability.

Overall, it's not bad, but it's not *great*. Choice is good, and hope it will drive improvement for all. I'd love to see a better description of what the client really brings over the included app though.

November 02 2011 at 3:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

rami.tadros

Common Google, first google voice was not compatible with iOS5 and now this. Get you act together!

November 02 2011 at 2:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

SSArcher3

It doesn't appear as though the app is available yet in the US iTunes store...at least that is the message I am receiving.

November 02 2011 at 2:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rlsmile

Anyone else having trouble finding or getting the App in the US store? When I click the link I get an error that says it is not available in the US Store.

November 02 2011 at 2:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

revision29

I began the purchase process on my iPhone. I entered my password and the app began to download. After a couple of seconds an error popped up indicating that the app is no longer available for purchase. I have attempted to access the product page via iTunes and am displayed a notice that the app is not available in the US App Store. Perhaps there were bugs that forced Google to pull it.

November 02 2011 at 2:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

It's showing not available in US Store....

November 02 2011 at 2:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brandon

Not coming up for me - anyone else?

November 02 2011 at 2:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply