Full FeedIs there an iPhone app update bug?
One of our readers has tipped us off about a potential iPhone app bug that manifests itself when updating software. In this particular case, the reader was attempting to install the second update of Cro-Mag Rally. On the first update, iTunes notified him the update was available. This time around, he wasn’t notified; instead, he was presented with the Check for Updates link when seeking it out, even though the iTunes App Store indicated a new version was, in fact, available.
I’ll let him explain the rest.
The problem is with how iTunes installs app updates. Like I said, I had already updated Cro-Mag Rally once before. What I didn’t realise at the time was iTunes didn’t actually overwrite the original file—it creates a duplicate! Yes, you read correctly. iTunes created another file in the Music/iTunes/Mobile Applications folder called “Cro-Mag 1.ipa” to sit along side the original ‘Cro-Mag.ipa’ file. I checked the info of the app currently in my iTunes library at that time, and sure enough, it’s file name was “Cro-Mag 1.ipa.” Now we’re getting to the problem. You see, when iTunes is checking for app updates, it must be going by file name rather than app name. So, in this case, iTunes has been
checking for updates for “Cro-Mag 1” instead of “Cro-Mag,” and, of course, it won’t find any.To prove this, I removed Cro-Mag Rally from the iTunes Library, but kept the file. Then I deleted the original “Cro-Mag.ipa” file and re-named the other, removing the “1” from its name. Then I added it back to iTunes with its new name of “Cro-Mag.ipa” by dragging it to the iTunes window. Immediately, I had the message at the bottom of the window telling
me of an update available!
Have any of you had the same problem? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to let Apple and the product’s developer know, as well. Doesn’t seem like a hard fix…the right people just need to be aware of the issue.
Subscribe to keep up with the latest Apple news and rumors! - 
Subscribe to our feed
Our new podcast: Meet...
We know. Podcasts are so last year - but this one you won't want to miss. Whether it’s a rumor that won’t die, a new product announcement, or just a really good Macintosh or iPhone app find that we have to let you know about, we’ll make sure it’s covered on Appletellcast.
iPhone App Reviews
iPhone Apps. They were great when the App Store was first announced and we could all pick and chose what we wanted, but the number is now overwhelming. Here at Appletell, we'll detail the great iPhone apps we find, and steer you clear from those that aren't worth it even if they're free.
iPhone Game Reviews
As Apple turns the iPhone into one of the most popular gaming devices, the staff of Appletell--gamers and Apple fans alike--are here to help you get the most entertainment value out of your app store purchases.
I was having the exact same problem!
Thanks for the workaround!
on July 24, 2008 at 11:36 AM - LINKYep - Having the same issue on my mac. Multiple copies of every app that’s had an update.
on July 24, 2008 at 12:18 PM - LINKI’ve noticed the same thing plus an even bigger problem: apps that I purchase on the iPhone aren’t backed up to my Mac and can only be updated from the iPhone. Likewise, apps that I purchased on my Mac can only be updated on the Mac rather than on the iPhone.
on July 24, 2008 at 01:55 PM - LINKYet ANOTHER file re-name had to be done this morning, as iTunes wasn’t recognising an update to Blackjack 21 available. Again, removing the ‘1’ in the filename of the app sorted the problem. This is ridicluous!!! SORT IT OUT APPLE.
on July 25, 2008 at 02:43 AM - LINKI have noticed that not every app seems to notify me of updates. Kinda annoying.
on July 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM - LINKHaving the same issues, I’ve had to uninstall the app and then reinstall the new one to actually get an update.
on July 26, 2008 at 07:17 AM - LINKActually, there’s an easier way to update, although still not the solution we all seek…when you see an app you’ve already purchased shown in the itunes store, click on purchase. It prompts you that you already own it etc, so click ok. It will then update the version you already have. You can verify this by right-clicking on the icon of the app and selecting ‘get info.’ Do this before and after the download to see if it works. No need to delete anything.
on September 7, 2008 at 01:06 PM - LINKthere is a bug with im guessing the 2.2.1 software i have the 3g phone there is a bug when even not connected to itunes your pc which i rarely sync anyways.and here is how you can see the bug.
on March 1, 2009 at 04:56 PM - LINKclick on app store click the home button back fourth back fourth whenu go to the app store quickly click the search icon ,or catogories then click home back to ap store close it back to home and it works all the time all the sudden your see numbers on the app store telling you to update apps that you just updated 20 min ago close out of app store back fourth back fourth and shhhhhhhazaamm there gone hope apple knows about this
Im having the same problem, it keeps telling me theres updates, i update and then two seconds later the same apps have updates. but so many times it will say they’re up to date, then back! Come on apple!
on March 5, 2009 at 03:02 PM - LINK