# Feedly's Weeklong Slowdown: Bug or AI Pivot? RSS reader Feedly responds to user complaints about performance issues. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5023ee68-af8f-4088-9f86-466220812e5b ## Prolonged Technical Issues at Feedly Feedly, the largest standalone RSS reader, has been experiencing technical issues for over a week. Paying users report the web app being 'unusably slow,' with some claiming support requests were ignored. Reddit users shared frustrations about the app running 'extremely slow,' making it difficult to use. The slowdown has significantly impacted the browsing experience for many. ## Feedly's Market Position As the successor to Google Reader after its 2013 shutdown, Feedly dominates the RSS reader market with 15 million users, surpassing competitors like Inoreader and NetNewsWire. However, recent issues have affected both free and paid users. The web app slowdown has hindered efficient feed browsing, raising concerns about service reliability. ## Mobile App Problems Users reported Feedly's iOS app (including iOS 27 beta) not working, while the Feedly Classic app—preferred by a niche user base—was shut down without warning weeks ago. CEO Edwin Khodabakchian stated the Classic app no longer met iOS and Android requirements and had only a few hundred active users at the time of discontinuation. ## The RSS Reader Market Most consumers now rely on dedicated news apps like Apple News, Google News, or social media for updates, keeping the RSS reader market relatively small. Feedly has pivoted toward AI, offering businesses threat intelligence services. This shift is prominently featured on its homepage, signaling a strategic redirection. ## User Backlash Over AI Shift Recent issues have sparked questions about whether Feedly is neglecting its core RSS users amid its AI pivot. CEO Khodabakchian assured TechCrunch that RSS functionality remains a priority, as the cyber threat intelligence (CTI) community relies on news-reading features. 'We aim to keep the Feedly News Reader fast and streamlined,' he said. ## Root Cause and Fix Efforts Feedly attributed the web app slowdown to a bug, with the front-end team testing a fix. The issue was linked to using 'Mark as Read' on accounts with many folders. A patch was released Friday, but the company is still verifying if it resolved the problem for all users. The delay in addressing complaints has frustrated some subscribers. ## iOS App Issues and Response Khodabakchian claimed unawareness of iOS app loading failures but pledged to investigate and resolve them quickly. He emphasized ongoing investment in the main iOS and Android apps. Users remain skeptical, waiting to see if these promises translate into tangible improvements amid growing dissatisfaction. ## Feedly's Future and User Trust Feedly's AI pivot and technical troubles have eroded user trust, especially among loyal RSS enthusiasts who value core functionality. The company's ability to address complaints promptly and deliver lasting fixes will be crucial for maintaining its reputation and retaining its user base in a competitive and evolving market. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/17/feedly-attributes-weeklong-slowdown-to-bug-not-its-ai-pivot/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._