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Google fixes issue causing Android apps to crash with updates to Chrome and WebView

Google fixes issue causing Android apps to crash with updates to Chrome and WebView

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The crashes are due to an issue with Android System WebView

By Jay Peters / @jaypeters

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Illustration by William Joel / The Verge

Some apps were crashing for Android users, but Google has fixed it. The issue was due to a system component called Android System WebView that lets Android apps display web content. Google now has a fix that requires users to update Android System WebView to version 89.0.4389.105 and Google Chrome to the latest version. Both are available on Google Play.

The issues began on Monday afternoon and lasted about seven hours, according to the Google Workspace dashboard for Gmail. The company recommended using the desktop interface until issues were resolved.

“We are aware of an issue with WebView causing some apps on Android to crash for some users,” Google said in a statement to The Verge. “We are currently working to fully validate the scope and a fix is in progress.” 

Some users said that removing the latest update to WebView fixed the issue — and in fact, Samsung’s official US support Twitter account recommended taking that exact step.

The dashboard currently shows all services operating without problems.

Update March 22nd, 10:45PM ET: Added statement from Google.

Update March 23rd, 4:16AM ET:  Added links to updated WebView and Chrome browser that solve the issue.

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