Amazon has warned iPhone users against updating to the newest version of its iOS Kindle app, after finding a "known issue" with it that causes entire libraries to be deleted.

Kindle

According to TUAW, which first spotted the problem, the new update is affecting Kindle users' book libraries, and in some cases removing a user's entire book collection.

Amazon has added a note to the Kindle app's App Store page stating: "There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time."

The faulty update is only a day old and was itself published to fix a previous problem with the Kindle app which caused issues with registering a device with your Amazon account.

One user posted on Amazon's iTunes page: "The update deleted all books from my iPad, and I had to register again, creating a second name for the same iPad. It's like starting all over again. Now I have to upload over 130 books from the cloud."

Kindle app
(Credit: Cult of Mac)

Although wiping an entire Kindle library is a major problem, at least it isn't permanent thanks to Amazon's cloud storage which lets you re-download any books you have previously bought onto any device running the Kindle app.

But for customers who may have purchased dozens of films and TV shows as well as books and magazines, the problem becomes a more serious one.

We expect Amazon to issue a fix very soon, but in the meantime we advise users against updating the iOS Kindle app.

UPDATE: An Amazon spokesperson has said: "We have identified an issue with the app update that may cause your app to become deregistered. To register, enter your Amazon account e-mail address and password and all your Amazon content will be available in the cloud. We have submitted an update fix for this issue and are working with Apple to release."

IPhone IPad ITunes