Google Pulls Out Gmail App for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

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Google has recently launched its much-awaited native Gmail client for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. But while the native iOS Gmail client was supposed to bring in important Gmail features to iDevices, Google has decided to pull it out and postpone release due to bugs.

Google’s native Gmail app for iOS devices launched earlier today, and brought in a host of new features, such as priority inbox, threaded view, more powerful search, push notifications and sounds, starring, labeling, address auto-complete, and the like. However, within minutes of release, users have started complaining that the app was not working properly.

Tech Crunch‘s Sarah Perez reported that the app displays an error message upon startup. Mashable‘s Ben Parr says the native Gmail app missed multiple user support, which is a key Gmail feature.

Google has included an update on its blog post announcing the launch of the Gmail app. Product manager Matthew Izatt cites bugs that broke notifications and resulted in error messages when the app is launched.

Update: 11/2/11: 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.

The Gmail team’s official Twitter account also says “Sorry we messed up.”

It’s not every day that Google releases a dud application, and the problematic Gmail app seems to be in stark contrast to how well-received the latest Gmail redesign had been. I can praise the Gmail team’s being honest and straightforward about messing up the Gmail app on the first try. But they could have at least left it available for download from the App Store for folks to try it out firsthand. Some people said they wanted to cry when the Gmail app wouldn’t start up properly. But once Google launches a fix, Gmail users might have something to smile about.