Auto Upgrade & Updates
The end-user can select the option to auto-upgrade the app.
YOU CAN:
- You can hide the app icon and show it again if you want to adjust some settings (of course, you can change them in the cPanel).
Compatible with:
- iOS – Jailbreak and Non-jailbreak
- Android 4+; with Android >= 10.x you must root your target device. Please take a look at the session Troubleshooting.
Available in:
-
All packages (Trial < Standard < Premium < Gold).
Update in 2025
🔵 Auto Update & Upgrade Feature
✅ What is Auto Update & Upgrade?
- Auto Update: Seamlessly update the app to the latest version without user intervention, ensuring bug fixes, security patches, and new features are always active.
- Auto Upgrade: When eligible, move to a newer edition (e.g., from Basic to Premium or a new major version) automatically.
📲 Key Benefits
| Feature/Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Security Patches | Keeps the app secure from new threats. |
| Bug Fixes | Automatically resolve issues without manual updates. |
| New Features | Users always benefit from the latest capabilities. |
| Compliance Updates | Adjust the app to comply with the latest legal or privacy laws. |
| Consistency for Research/Enterprise | Ensures all devices in a fleet run the same version. |
⚙️ How It Works (Android Focus)
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Play Store Auto Updates | Leverage Play Store's built-in auto-update system (if distributed via Play). |
| In-App Self-Update Mechanism (Custom) | App checks its own backend server for updates and downloads/installs APK silently (if permissions allow). |
| Enterprise MDM (Mobile Device Management) | MDM can push updates automatically to all enrolled devices. |
| Auto Upgrade for Licensing | User licenses (Basic, Pro) were checked remotely, and features were unlocked accordingly. |
🔒 Legal & Security Considerations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| User Consent | Auto-updates must be disclosed and agreed upon in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. |
| Parental Control Devices | The parent's consent covers the child's device. |
| Enterprise Devices (Work/Research) | Employees/participants should agree as part of the device use policy. |
| Permissions to Auto-install APKs | The app needs special permissions (Device Owner, MDM) if custom updates are being used. |
| Security | App updates must be signed and verified to avoid injection attacks. |
📈 Auto Upgrade Example (Licensing Flow)
- The app checks the server's license status at regular intervals.
- If eligible for premium upgrade (e.g., subscription paid):
- Unlock new features remotely without reinstalling.
- Notify the user (optional) or apply silently (e.g., in research or enterprise mode).
⚠️ Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Play Store delay in updates | Use In-App Update API for immediate rollout. |
| Silent APK updates on BYOD devices | Require Device Owner or MDM enrollment. |
| User refusal of updates | Mandatory updates are possible with an In-App Immediate Update. |
| Different app versions on research devices | Regular backend sync & version check; force update if mismatch. |
🚫 iOS Limitation
- No silent background updates are possible for standard apps.
- Must use App Store updates or Apple MDM for managed devices.
📊 Use Case-Specific Recommendation
| Scenario | Recommended Auto-Update Method |
|---|---|
| Parental Control App | Google Play Auto-Update + Optional In-App Update. |
| Enterprise Employee Devices | MDM-based silent updates or In-App Immediate updates. |
| Research Study Phones | Device Owner with silent APK updates, or MDM. |
| Personal Anti-Theft App | Google Play Auto-Update, with optional prompt via In-App Update API. |
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