So far no luck with Apple other than getting a 1-800 number. I expect I'll be told that my iPhone is outside its warranty so I will have to pay for the privilege to be told that yes, this is a systemwide problem. 😠 Here is my online thread with iTunes support (in reverse chronological order):
Dear Rolf,
Thanks again for your quick response.
In regards to your concern, the department you will want to contact is our iOS Technical Support department. The Advisors in this department specialize specifically with troubleshooting all iOS devices such as your own. To reach an Advisor in the iOS department, please use the telephone number below:
iPhone: 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466)
If you have any further questions in regards to the iTunes Store, feel free to contact us anytime. Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Leonard
iTunes Store/Mac App Store Customer Support
---------
Dear Leonard:
I'm sorry, but it didn't help. This is a widespread problem as you can see from the many MANY messages from users experiencing the same problem. It is not a problem with my individual unit. I ask that since Apple owns iTunes and Apple owns iOS 5, Apple transfer this widespread technical glitch to the proper department to get it resolved. If that cannot be done, please explain why.
Rolf
........
> Dear Rolf,
> Thanks for getting back to me and providing the YouTube video documenting your concern.
> From the looks of things, the issue seems to involve more then just playing podcast as I noticed some of the song purchases don't play was well, and certain applications close upon opening. Since this is related to the iPhone not operating correctly after updating the iOS, you will want to contact one of our iOS Technical Support Advisors. As an Advisor for the iTunes Store, I handle issues related to billing, downloading, customer accounts, and the items available on the iTunes Store.
> A technical Advisor will be able to tell you about Apple's complimentary and fee-based support. The technical Advisor can also assist you in determining what option might be most helpful to you in this case. To find the appropriate phone number, please visit:
> http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html
> Another option is to describe your issue on our website. After you have described the issue on our website, you can arrange for an Apple Advisor to call you. You can receive a phone call now or you can make an appointment to have an Apple Advisor call you at a more convenient time. To explore this option, please visit Express Lane:
> https://expresslane.apple.com/
> Certain Express Lane Support options are only free during your Apple hardware product's complimentary support period or with an AppleCare Protection Plan.
> I hope you find this information helpful in resolving your concern.
> Sincerely,
> Leonard
> iTunes Store/Mac App Store Customer Support
>
---------
To Leonard:
Yes, many people are still having the same problem. There are several Apple Support Communities forums devoted to the topic. One person has created a YouTube movie of the problem here:
> I have recorded the problem and posted it on youtube here is link
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw-o87MCN6s
Here is the Support Communities thread that seems to have the most posts:>
> iPhone 4S - iTunes Store app freezes when searching for Podcasts
> On May 25, 2012, at 08:25 AM, iTunes Store <iTunesStoreSupport@apple.com> wrote:
---------
> Dear Rolf,
> Hello my name is Leonard with the iTunes Store support team, and I will be assisting you today with your concern.
> I understand you are experiencing some issues with downloading certain podcast on your iPhone. I apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced thus far. This article should help resolve the issue:
> iTunes Store: Downloading podcasts using iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
> http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3281
> I hope that this information helps resolve the issue. If you are still experiencing issues with downloading podcast after following the above troubleshooting steps, reply back to me with the names of the podcast you are having trouble with, and I will look into this matter further.
> I look forward to your response. Have a great day.>
> Sincerely,
> Leonard
> iTunes Store/Mac App Store Customer Support
>
-------
Original post:
> First Name : Rolf
> Product : iTunes Store
> Support Subject : Connecting & Downloading
> Sub Issue : Downloads from iTunes store incomplete or interrupted
> GCRM Case ID : 317088271
> See additional info below
> What device did you use to connect to the store? iPhone
> Which operating system is installed? iOS 5.x
> What version of iTunes is installed on your computer? iTunes 10.6
> Choose the iTunes Store or App Store for your country: United States
> Describe the alert message you received: None, but podcasts are not downloading.
> Details:
> iTunes is no longer downloading certain podcasts properly on my iPhone. This is a widespread problem that appears to need an Apple software fix to iOS. See multiple threads on this topic in Apple support communities.
