Asda has been hit with a wave of one-star reviews following a controversial update to its popular shopping app, with frustrated users branding it “horrible” and “laggy”.

The supermarket recently upgraded its iPhone app. The new version runs off the Asda website with a few additional smartphone features. 

According to The Telegraph, the change is part of a larger overhaul, with a major update to the Asda.com website expected later this year.

While Android users were already familiar with the latest version of the app, iPhone users have been left less than impressed. 

Many voiced their frustrations in scathing reviews on the Apple Store. One user described the update as “horrible, difficult to use and just bad” while another said it had “totally ruined” their online shopping experience. 

Many others reported issues with frequent crashes and missing features that previously worked smoothly.

The supermarket giant didn’t address the controversy directly in a statement provided to the Express. 

A store spokesperson said: “Asda is launching a new groceries website and app later this year to enhance the online shopping experience for our customers. During this process, we have transitioned iOS [iPhone Operating System] app users to the existing web app experience that is already used by our online customers on Android and web browser. 

“We look forward to introducing the improved website and app towards the end of the year. [It will offer] a more seamless and user-friendly experience across all platforms.” 

The Telegraph report said Asda was scrambling to transition its IT systems away from those of former owner Walmart. In 2020, it was taken over for £6.8 billion by Mohsin and Zuber Issa and private equity group TDR Capital in 2020.  

The £800m process has been beset by problems and delays, the paper reported. They are said to include payroll issues that impacted a number of employees earlier this year.