Apple Closes App Store Doors to iOS 3.1.3?

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Although consumers with the iPhone and iPod Touch can still purchase, download and sync apps via iTunes, they can't do so directly from the device if it's sporting iOS 3.1.3.

Consumers owning the iPhone and iPod Touch are complaining that they have been blocked from downloading software from Apple's App Store. The problem resides with iOS devices running v3.1.3 and appeared after an update released on December 16. According to numerous complaints, affected users can't download paid and free apps, rate software, view developer screenshots or send details to others using the "tell a friend" option.

"Whenever I go into a specific app in the app store, none of the buttons work properly," claims one consumer. "Clicking on the price no longer downloads the app, the 'top in-app purchases' banner is just text now, pictures usually don't show up.  They usually appear as five gray rectangular boxes with white borders (though in one app one too-large-for-the-window picture shows up."

Additional reports indicate that these users can still update apps obtained prior to the update via the iTunes client, and they can transfer the software from the iTunes PC/Mac client to the iOS 3.1.3 device. But for now, iOS 3.1.3 consumers can't purchase or install new apps directly from the device itself. This may be somewhat inconvenient, but it's better than being completely blocked from the App Store, especially during the holidays.

So far Apple hasn't responded to the complaints, but it's possible the device block is simply a glitch stemming from the update. Unfortunately, there may not be any kind of resolution until after the holidays: the App Store staff alone will be taking an 8-day break starting Thursday, thus no new apps will be added within that period.

Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

40 Comments Comment from the forums
  • gokanis
    What I get from this is update your devices to the way we want you to do it. If you don't, no more icrack apps for you. lol
    Reply
  • Marco925
    and people wonder why i call apple communist.
    Reply
  • jblack
    So Apple locks us down to using the App Store. Then they prevent those of us using older iOS software from getting Apps from the App Store. Additionally Apple tried to make it illegal to jailbreak.


    Sounds like they want us to buy a new phone badly.
    Reply
  • dalethepcman
    Planned obsolescence isn't enough for Apple. Now they are using forced obsolescence to get people to buy new devices. Can you say lawsuit?
    Reply
  • nebun
    8 day break?....what about the customers?.....wtf is Apple thinking?
    Reply
  • dalethepcman
    jblackSo Apple locks us down to using the App Store. Then they prevent those of us using older iOS software from getting Apps from the App Store. Additionally Apple tried to make it illegal to jailbreak.Sounds like they want us to buy a new phone badly.
    You forgot to mention that apple limits the device's that can upgrade beyond a certain point, so they essentially just froze all of their old devices from being able to get new software without iTunes.
    Reply
  • jona102190
    The fact that developers will be unable to push updates for their apps for well over a week is ridiculous. Plus, I'm sure the huge backlog of apps will not be cleared on the 8th day. Oh well, I hope nothing really breaks, or an app could really be trashed.
    Reply
  • Dyseman
    Ok, so I will admit right up front, I know nothing about iAnything...

    Sooo, WHY is 3.1.3 the magic number?
    Reply
  • house70
    ...and I rest my case.
    Reply
  • Novulux
    DysemanOk, so I will admit right up front, I know nothing about iAnything...Sooo, WHY is 3.1.3 the magic number?

    I believe it was the last update supported by earliest devices and before 4.0. I still have a first gen which is running 3.1.3. (jailbroken)
    Reply