How do you distribute mobile app updates across different operating systems?

1 Choose your update method

Depending on the type of update you want to deliver, you have different options for how to distribute it to your users. For minor updates, such as changing some text or images, you can use a remote configuration service, such as Firebase Remote Config or Microsoft App Center. This allows you to change some aspects of your app without requiring a new version or a user action. For more significant updates, such as adding new features or fixing bugs, you need to release a new version of your app through the official app stores, such as Google Play, Apple App Store, or Microsoft Store. This requires you to follow the guidelines and approval processes of each store, which can vary in terms of time and complexity.

2 Test your update before releasing

Before you distribute your update to your users, you need to test it thoroughly on different devices and operating systems. This will help you avoid introducing new bugs, breaking existing functionality, or violating any store policies. You can use various tools and services to test your update, such as emulators, simulators, physical devices, or cloud-based testing platforms. You can also use beta testing programs, such as TestFlight for iOS or Google Play Beta Testing for Android, to get feedback from a selected group of users before launching your update to the public.

3 Manage your update rollout

Once you are ready to distribute your update, you need to decide how to roll it out to your users. You can choose to release your update to all users at once, or to a subset of users gradually. The latter option can help you reduce the risk of errors, monitor the performance and feedback of your update, and make adjustments if needed. You can use different methods to manage your update rollout, such as using app store features, such as staged rollout for Android or phased release for iOS, or using third-party services, such as Firebase App Distribution or Microsoft App Center Distribution.

4 Communicate your update to your users

Another important step in distributing your update is to communicate it to your users. You want to inform them about the benefits and changes of your update, and encourage them to download it as soon as possible. You can use different channels to communicate your update, such as app store descriptions, push notifications, in-app messages, email newsletters, or social media posts. You should also provide clear and concise instructions on how to install your update, and address any questions or issues that your users may have.

5 Measure the impact of your update

After you distribute your update, you need to measure its impact on your app performance, user behavior, and user satisfaction. You can use various metrics and tools to analyze the results of your update, such as app store ratings and reviews, app analytics, crash reports, user feedback surveys, or A/B testing. You should also compare your update with previous versions of your app, and identify any areas of improvement or opportunities for future updates.

6 Keep your update consistent and compatible

Finally, you need to keep your update consistent and compatible across different operating systems, devices, and app versions. You want to ensure that your update works well on all supported platforms, and that it does not cause any compatibility issues or conflicts with other apps or services. You also want to maintain a consistent user experience and functionality across your app versions, and avoid confusing or frustrating your users with different or missing features. You can use various strategies and best practices to achieve this, such as using cross-platform development frameworks, following design guidelines, using feature flags, or supporting backward compatibility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?