So Darned Kind of you, Facebook: SDK bug sends popular iOS apps crashing earthwards

You're unlikely to hear someone inflicting their iOS Spotify playlist on the bus today

Those using Facebook to log into services such as Spotify on their iOS devices are having a bad Friday, as something has gone awry with Zuckerberg's ad-slinging platform.

A glance at social media reveals a howl from those affected by the problem which appears to have started early this morning (UK time) and hit iOS devices. Those running Android seem to be unaffected.

The issue looks to be related to Facebook's Software Development Kit (SDK), used by many popular apps, including TikTok, Tinder and Spotify. It manifests itself by the app crashing at login.

Even the likes of Call of Duty: Mobile have been unable to put a bullet in the borkage (although its players would doubtless be keen to wreak the same levels of despair caused by the failure.)

🚨 iOS Login Issues 🚨
Currently there is an issue with Facebook's iOS SDK that is causing crashes on login or when attempting to open COD: Mobile on iOS devices.

It is currently being investigated by Facebook and our teams. More information here: https://t.co/fSon1Zw3ms

— Call of Duty: Mobile (@PlayCODMobile) July 10, 2020

Facebook is investigating what exactly has befallen its service on iOS. Apps not dependant on it seem fine; Spotify running with an email account behaves normally, but use a Facebook login and things are less than rosy.

The Facebook app does not even need to be installed for the borkage to occur. Affected apps make use of the user's Facebook login, which requires a call to Facebook's servers for authentication and then... foom.

It is a reminder of the interdependence of apps with regard to authentication. While convenient for a user to just have one login to rule them all, a service failure can affect all the apps that use it.

We've contacted the social media giant to find out what has befallen its services and will update should we receive an explanation.

Its developer orifice, currently "investigating", had this to say on the issue: "We are aware and investigating an increase in errors on the iOS SDK which is causing some apps to crash."

Scant comfort for those emerging from lockdown, keen to show off their Spotify playlists to their Tinder date and record the whole event on TikTok using their shiny new iPhones.

Should have bought an Android. ®