The innovative HMV app that launched last week has been temporarily removed from the iOS App Store by owner Apple despite the tech giant previously approving the app.  

HMV chairman and chief executive of Hilco - which bought the retailer out of administration in April - Paul McGowan said: “It is disappointing that Apple has chosen to suspend an app that has proven to be very successful in only a few short days despite Apple having already approved the exact same version on September 15. We are unable to explain the change in Apple’s position as we have been given no explanation by them as to any difference they view between the approved version and the one suspended this evening.”

HMV stressed that the removal only prevents additional iPhone users from downloading the app and those who had already downloaded it will still be able to use the app and will not notice any changes.

The retailer’s developers are working to create an updated version of the iOS app for Apple’s approval, which will retain its innovative image and sound search functionality to discover music and listen to 30-second previews.

The updated app will also provide access to users’ MyHMV locker to manage all HMV downloads made via its website, which is set to launch this Thursday.

McGowan said its app was “proving a big hit” with consumers and had been downloaded more than 10,000 times since its launch last Thursday. It has received a four-star rating by iOS users and a 4.5 rating by Android users on the Google Play app store. 

The retailer plans to launch the app in Ireland on Thursday and has pencilled in a Canadian launch in November.

HMV said its high single sales via the app are “significant” as it had missed out on the singles market in recent years. It said it marked HMV’s return to “being highly influential on the Official Singles Chart”.

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