iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store

by on 07/26/2008 in Uncategorized

I’m experiencing something strange with the iPhone App Store and thought I’d throw out a post to see if others have the same problem.

The vitals:

  1. I’m running version 5A345 of the iPhone 2.0 software.
  2. I’m running it on a 16GB iPhone 3G that I purchased on launch day.
  3. I’ve downloaded every application from the App Store on my iPhone, not through iTunes.
  4. The problem persists ONLY with non-native (as in downloaded from the App Store) applications.  All the applications that shipped with the iPhone 2.0 software are unaffected.

Here’s what’s happening:

  1. I sync the iPhone 3G to add songs, movies, whatever.
  2. When the sync/charge is complete, I’ll disconnect the phone and go about my day.
  3. So I’ll be out and about, and all of a sudden need to do something with an Application I downloaded from the App Store.
  4. I’ll tap what I want to use and then the App will launch…
  5. … but then promptly quit, returning me to the home screen.
  6. I say “f*ck it” and find the closest bar and have a beer.

There are a few steps that I’ve taken to remedy this unfortunate situation:

  1. I plugged my iPhone 3G in to my Mac and launched iTunes.
  2. I clicked the big, ugly “Restore” button and downloaded the latest and greatest iPhone 2.0 build.
  3. I prayed to the Flying Spaghetti Monster that this would work.
  4. I started a sync of my music, Safari bookmarks and videos.

So here I am… tapped out from praying to his noodly greatness waiting to sync all of my music to the phone.  I’ll edit the post if this works with the good news!

24 Comments Short URL , , , ,
  • Symon

    Hey Stephen,

    Not having the same problem as you, all apps Ive downloaded from the app store direct to my phone work. What I have noticed though is if I download an app through iTunes it won’t sync through to my iphone and all the apps Ive downloaded from app store won’t sync to my computer?

    Am i missing something. Time for a bourban

  • Russ

    This happens to me too and I hate that restore is the only real “solution” that the apple stores gives me… Restoring is a solution, it’s a quick fix… it doesn’t FIX anything, it just starts it over and gives you hope it won’t happen again…

    I absolutely HATE losing my text messages when I restore.

  • Mark B

    Same happens to me – same phone – same purchase date – some apps direct to phone – some via iTunes. Not only do all non native apps crash after launch – but all my songs have erased themselves too.

    Considering refund demand on “not fit for purpose” basis… just because if i have to start fresh, someone on the corporate side has to enter a negative sum in the balance sheet.

    As an aside – anyone traveling to Colombia – get a 3g dongle from Moviestar – avoid Comcel as though your life depends on it – it probably does!

  • Kero

    My apps also does’t work after I sycned my Iphone to Itunes on my PC. Please help me fix this problem. Thank you.

  • http://www.larrikj.com Larrik Jaerico

    I was having the same issue. Downgrading to iTunes 7.7.043 seems to have fixed it. Apparently this is actually a DRM issue that Apple plans to fix properly in September.

  • John (Philippines)

    this happens to me too and my wife! i hate restoring and restoring and restoring! i hope anyone can give me tips on how to fix it…

  • John (Philippines)

    i have this problem too! i hate restoring and restoring and restoring! i hope anyone can give me tips on how to fix it…

  • Chrissy

    My applications only work for a split second too and then send me back to the home screen. How do I get them to work again? This all happened after I updated my Iphone to the newest version.

  • http://www.releasecatcher.com LK

    I get this too but i have found a simple solution. Every time after i sync, i go to the app store on the phone and get a new free app. Installing the new app makes all the other apps work. I then go ahead and uninstall the random app and i’m good to go. I have no idea why it works but it does and that’s all that matters. Kinda annoying though.

  • levi

    i have also had this problem it seems like if you have to do a update it freezez too its like its saying i need to update but untill i do u cant use my apps…. its a sucky thing but it has worked for me good luck iphone 3 g

  • Dan

    LK’s suggestion worked like a charm

  • Arthur

    LK’s solution worked, why in the H*ll does it does this?

  • Elsey100

    Lk’s does work you dont have to restore!

  • Cesar

    The same thing happen to me ehhhh 1st download any app on the phone not from ur computer 2nd after it finshed downloading nd installing turn off the phone wait a couple mins nd turn it on nd the apps r ok now u should be able to use them

  • Chris

    Same problem here only I have the itouch I’m getting really po’d I’m gonna call apple and freak on them cuz I just got this and it’s not a great way to start having a new iPod! So if I get any answers I’ll post back

  • claudia

    what do u do if the apps store button does the same thing? Is the only solution to restore???

  • http://yahoo.com ipod45

    what is LK’S solution to the iPhone problem with the applications crashing.i have the same problem.any help will be greatly appreciated

  • SrA_FlyBoy21

    I too am having the same issue. I am currently restoring my phone, lets see if this fixes the problem. I thought Apple / Macs were supposed to be so much better than PC’s…..

  • Fraser

    Hey.
    I’ve had exactly the same problem as you, intact it’s happening right now. The problem is that you have to click the little eject sign next to where it says the name of your iPhone…below the iTunes store icon before
    Disconnecting the cable. To solve your problem just install a new app and all apps will work fine!

  • Mike

    I just added this page to my home screen and it fixed the problem!

    You do not even need to do a new app

  • Gooch

    tnx a lot, LK, it does work, it’s like magic… Shame on Apple that they didn’t found a normal way to fix it…

  • kev

    Hmm..

    I got this problem with my iPhone 3G with the latest iTunes. The solution was to authorise iTunes with the Apple Store.. that seemed to be the problem for me.

    All 100% now!

  • Sorcha

    Thank you LK!! You’re a lifesaver!

  • nick

    Nice one LK! It works!!