Google has released a Gmail app for rival platform iOS, only to pull it hours later due to a bug.

In a post on the Google blog, product manager Matthew Izatt says the app contained a bug which ‘broke' notifications and caused users to see an error message on opening.

"We've removed the app while we correct the problem,” Izatt says, "and we're working to bring you a new version soon.

Users who have already installed the app can continue to use it.