Google Play has discovered a bug with endless app updates

A glitch has been reported in the Google Play Store that is causing apps to update repeatedly. Users are reporting an error where apps that have already been updated to the latest version are repeatedly showing up in the list of pending updates. The issue, as Android Headlines reports, while confusing, does not cause any major disruptions to devices.

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Google Play Store errors are rare, but sometimes they can be annoying. Typically, the issues involve apps not being able to download or update, and sometimes they can cause battery drain. However, this is not the first time that the current bug involving repeated updates has appeared, and may indicate a cyclical or unresolved issue with the store’s software.

The problem is that on the Pending Downloads page, apps that have already been updated are again marked as requiring an update. You can tell these duplicates apart by the lack of file size information, as the file size and date of the last update are usually indicated.

While the situation does not appear to be widespread, some users have confirmed its existence. In particular, a 9to5Google employee reported that he encountered endless updates for apps such as Gboard, Google Messages, Pocket Casts, and The Athletic. Interestingly, when trying to update these apps, a small amount of data is partially downloaded, from 1 to 2 MB, but there is no visible change in the operation of the apps. This confirms the assumption that the devices are already running the latest available version, and another update is not required.

The reason for the bug’s appearance has not yet been established, but similar cases were already recorded about five years ago, which suggests that they are periodic. Google has not yet given official comments on this matter, but users express hope that the company will pay attention to this problem.