Hello mobile Wikimedians,

TLDR: if you have experienced crashes with recent versions of Wikipedia for iOS, please update to the latest iOS (9.3.2). If you're a beta tester also install the new beta (5.0.5). Then tell us if you still have crashes.

Since our last feature update (5.0.3) we've seen a notable increase in crashes and instability in Wikipedia for iOS. We released a hot fix (5.0.4) which resolved some of the issues, particularly with loading the Explore feed content. However, we've needed more time to investigate, and work with Apple and other iOS developers to resolve, the largest source of crashes.

In particular we urge our app users to update to the latest iOS (9.3.2) released earlier this week. This OS update has improved stability for apps using Swift, and in our case users should see an elimination of the most common type of crash.

Today beta testers will also see a first release of v5.0.5 of the app. If you are a beta tester, please download the latest update from TestFlight. If this new version crashes:

Note any details of what you were doing when you experienced the crash.
Re-open the app (if you can) and wait a few seconds for the Crash Reporting prompt to pop up (if it ever does).
If the crash reporting doesn't open go to Settings > Help and feedback > and click "Report a bug"
If you can't even reopen the app cause it crashes so darn much, send me an email directly (jminor@wikimedia.org)

I particularly want to thank our beta testers, some of whom reported issues starting in 5.0.3. We value and take your testing feedback seriously, and I apologize that we weren't able to prevent these issues despite your reports.

Thanks,

Josh Minor

Product Manager, Reading