Apple iTunes, App Stores Down: Normal iOS Purchases 'Unavailable for All Users'

Apple Inc.’s App, iTunes and Mac App stores all went down suddenly early Wednesday. The usually reliable services were “unavailable for all users,” the company confirmed in a post on its system status page. It also noted iBooks Store services may be unavailable. The firm didn’t immediately reply to a request for an explanation as to what caused the continuing outage.

Beginning around 5 a.m. EDT, users flooded social-media sites with complaints that they were unable to sign into their iCloud accounts. A number said they were able to connect to the App Store, but were unable to download anything there. At press time, Apple had yet to provide an update as to what had happened or how long the repairs would take.

Content was still listed at the iTunes Store, but users reported being unable to finalize any purchases.

Most other services -- such as Siri, iMessage and Apple TV -- appeared to be operating normally.

The outage Wednesday marks the third consecutive day Apple has made headlines. Tuesday, reports indicated the CIA has spent years attempting to crack the encryption code Apple relies on to protect iPhone and iPad users around the world. And Monday, the tech colossus of Cupertino, California, unveiled its highly anticipated Apple Watch, as well as a new MacBook.