Apple has updated the third party apps iCloud sync bug

Apple’s wind farms keep iCloud services going

Updated: This bug has now been fixed, according to developers.

Apple has a problem with iCloud, developers are complaining, and whatever is generating that challenge is taking some time to repair, reports claim.

The unavailable cloud

Writing on Revert to Saved, Craig Grannell explains what’s happening. Essentially, it involves an unpredictable problem in which third-party apps making use of iCloud for sync would sometimes fail. This manifests itself in 503 errors. It appears to be something Apple is aware of and that many developers have complained about.

Grannell shares claims from some developers suggest the problem has been around for months. He asks if the existence of the flaw means he can no longer trust iCloud sync.

He also uncovered anecdotal claims to suggest these errors have become more frequent in the last few days. Developers complain Apple is aware of the problem, but hasn’t said anything yet.

The developers of the GoodNotes app have published a support document for customers facing the problem. In that document they explain their app will automatically attempt to reconnect to iCloud servers if it meets the error. They say it will eventually connect.

Increasing incidents of fail

“The error typically gets resolved as GoodNotes automatically retries, but we’re getting many reports of the error lingering on, causing sync failures,” they warn.

https://twitter.com/tapbot_paul/status/1484347799235805185?s=20

Some developers are now adding iCloud status information to their apps to inform users. This matters, of course, because when iCloud is unavailable changes will not sync.

Complaints concerning iCloud aren’t new, of course. Used to sync user content and encrypt data, developers have wanted more from CloudKit for years.

[Also read: How to force iCloud to sync & update Photos images fast(er)]

What has changed?

I can’t help but wonder if the recently introduced SharePlay might be generating unexpected challenges in cloud sync?

Apple’s system status page shows no problems with iCloud services at time of writing.

More iCloud news.

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