Apple issues statement regarding HealthKit issue on iOS 8

BY Joe Rossignol

Published 17 Sep 2014

HealthKit

Earlier this morning, it was reported that Apple pulled HealthKit-compatible apps from the App Store because of the discovery of a significant last-minute issue. After proceeding with releasing iOS 8 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, an Apple spokesperson has now issued a statement to Financial Times writer Tim Bradshaw regarding the situation. 

Apple confirmed that HealthKit does indeed have a bug that will need to be addressed through a software update — likely a small point update — by the end of the month. “We discovered a bug that prevents us from making HealthKit apps available on iOS 8 today,” writes Apple. “We’re working quickly to have the bug fixed in a software update and have HealthKip apps available by the end of the month.”

HeathKit isn’t the only major feature missing from iOS 8 following its long-anticipated launch this afternoon. There are four major features that aren’t available on iOS 8 right now because they are either missing, delayed or not fully functional: HealthKit, iCloud Drive, Apple Pay and SMS Continuity. We posted a roundup with a detailed explanation of why each feature isn’t out yet earlier today.

HealthKit is a developer framework for iOS 8 that enables third-party apps that provide health and fitness services to share their information with Apple’s new stock Health app. A user’s health information is stored in a centralized and secure location and the user decides which data should be shared with any given app. In the future, there will be hardware accessories available based on the framework.

iOS 8 is the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The software will come pre-installed on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, while it is available as a free update for iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad 2, iPad (third-gen), iPad (fourth-gen), iPad Air, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth-generation) through Settings > General > Software Update.

Are you disappointed that HealthKit isn’t available this month?