HealthKit apps pulled for iOS 8 launch over bug

18 Sep 2014

In a last-minute decision, Apple has decided to not release a number of app updates that were to be a part of its HealthKit after a bug was found in its new iOS 8 operating system.

The decision to pull the apps means that the much-anticipated health feature that would allow people to share health data with each other will not appear on iOS 8 as it rolls out to iPhone owners.

According to CNet, an Apple spokesperson confirmed the decision to pull several apps as part of HealthKit, but users will have to wait a while before this issue can be fixed: “We discovered a bug that prevents us from making HealthKit apps available on iOS 8 today.

“We’re working quickly to have the bug fixed in a software update and have HealthKit apps available by the end of the month.”

Having an air-tight launch

One of the apps that was to roll out as part of HealthKit is Carrot Fit whose lead developer, Brian Mueller, said received news of the bug from a phone call from Apple. “Well that’s a relief,” said his Twitter post. “Just got a call from Apple, there’s nothing wrong with Carrot Fit. HealthKit is just broken and isn’t ready to launch.”

The exact bug that has made Apple decide to pull the updates from the App Store is yet to be determined, but with the company’s recent controversies surrounding privacy settings on its iCloud, the need to release a fully-secure service is optimal.

In the meantime, apps that will become part of HealthKit are expected to revert to the version previous to what would have been the latest iOS 8 update, at least until it is seemingly fixed at the end of the month.

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

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