WhatsApp Removed from iTunes App Store as Hoaxes Emerge

Following some security concerns, the free text-messaging application WhatsApp has been pulled from the iTunes App Store.

Despite having patched the security holes, the developers at WhatsApp said it had nothing to do with its unavailability on iTunes.

A message on the company’s official WhatsApp Status page on Facebook now reads: “Sorry, WhatsApp is temporarily unavailable on iTunes. We submitted a new version and are awaiting approval and publication by Apple.”

The company is also trying to downplay a hoax that has been circulating on the web suggesting WhatsApp is becoming a paid service.

WhatsApp developers cannot stress enough that “that this is a hoax and there is no truth to it. While we are flattered that we made it to Hoax Slayer, we would rather work on cool new features instead of debunking silly stories like these,” reads a message on their blog.

Not long after they issued their warning, a new hoax emerged, prompting the team to update the blog entry.

If you receive the message below, WhatsApp says it’s false.

“Whatsapp is shutting down on 28th jan Message from Jim Balsamic (CEO of Whatsapp) we have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list. If you do not forward this message, we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours. Please DO NOT ignore this message or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 25.00 will be added to your monthly bill. We are also aware of the issue involving the pictures updates not showing. We are working diligently at fixing this problem and it will be up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation from the Whatsapp team”

So, just stay put and wait for WhatsApp to release their new version in the App Store. While this may take a while (until Apple approves the binary), existing users can enjoy the service as before.