iOS App Store apps with new updates should warn users of downloading the latest version: a widespread corruption across Apple's platform is meaning most users are seeing crashes immediately. Apple is reportedly working on the issue, but it means irreparable damage could done to the app and developer in terms of user perception.

Marco Arment, creator of read-it-later app Instapaper, said he was "deluged" by notes from customers telling him his latest 4.2.3 update was causing crashes. "[E]very time I downloaded it from the update from the App Store, clean or not, it crashes instantly," Arment added.

Some downloads in the U.S. and UK were affected, but not in Australia.

The issue is confusing as Apple tests apps to work, which don't work after submission. Issues include apps crashing on launch, always; some customers get a dialog 8234 or 8236 error; and Mac apps tell the user to redownload the app, saying it's damaged.

Arment since e-mailed Apple's App Review and publicized the issue on Twitter. Two hours later, a working version of Instapaper was issued. It's not clear whether that was because of App Review.

Arment posted a list of known, affected apps. It includes Angry Birds Space HD Free, Flick Soccer and Metronome+. Developers can contact Arment if an app is affected.

* UPDATE ALERT* There appears to be a bug in the app store corrupting app binaries. It's affecting many apps and it is causing newly updated apps to crash on launch. It's not affecting all users, but it is affecting many of them. The problem is being fixed by Apple but please, avoid updating at this time," the Metronome+ app page read.

Arment has received the force of users claiming he is sloppy for releasing an app that doesn't work, which obviously isn't the case. Many developers depend on apps being successful, so 1-star reviews could hurt new users coming to the app in the future.

GoodReader has made a detailed post on the issue and symptoms, along with a guide on fixing the app. "GoodReader for iPad update can't be launched" is the message users are getting.