Issues with download buttons, layouts resolved

User who, for the past few days, have been having issues with updating apps using iOS 3.1.x (the last version, 3.1.3, is the maximum possible with first-generation iPhones and the first- and second-generation iPod Touch) are now finding that the issue has been fixed on Apple's end, giving such users back the ability to update apps and buy new items from the App Store while still on their devices.

The problem, as reported by users on Apple's Support forums, was that users running iOS 3.1.x would see "broken" layouts and missing content, as well as an inability to manually update apps or buy new ones that are compatible. Despite the age of the iOS 3 release, many apps continue to maintain compatibility (or, if they don't, the older apps continue to function).

Users of older devices were able to update or purchase apps and view App Store pages from a more-updated desktop or notebook computer during the problem, but saw issues when they tried to access the store on their iOS 3 devices, suggesting that Apple may have made some server-side changes to the layout that were untested with iOS 3 and thus accidentally broke compatibility.

Changes made earlier today restored compatibility with older iOS devices, according to participants in the support threads. Users of iPhone 3Gs or third-generation iPod Touches or later equipment, which is compatible with iOS 4 and higher, were unaffected by the issue.

by MacNN Staff