Along with the launch of a number of new tools and features at its Android Dev Summit 2018, Google has also launched the a new API, called “In-app Updates,” which aims to help developers ensure that users are running the latest and greatest version of their app. Android’s new In-app Updates API doesn’t force or lock out users from the app if they chose not to update it.
Instead, the API has been designed to aggressively inform users about the latest available updates and give them a smooth in-app installation experience without closing the app or opening the Google Play Store.
Google also says that Android developers will have the ability to completely customize the update flow so that it feels like part of your app, which indicates that all apps will not have the same in-app update experience.
https://thehackernews.com/2018/11/android-in-app-updates-api.html
This seems like one of those sounded good at first ideas. This API would allow developers to Push their app updates directly through the app. Google already as a issue where malicious apps updates are getting through their app store. How are they going to protect users from malicious code when they are giving developers a backdoor to every phone their app has been installed upon?
This update might significantly improve security in Android devices. Say you shipped your application with a major bug (it happens…) and want to make sure that every user upgrades immediately; you will soon be able to show them a full-screen blocking message that will be displayed when they first start the app again and while the update is applied. That’s obviously only meant for major bugs. The second option allows for more flexibility and allows the user to continue using the app while the update is downloaded. Developers can fully customize these update flows.
Great point Haitao, totally agree with you.
Hi Ruby,
Thank you for sharing this interesting information. It feels like a good and creative idea that “all apps will not have the same in-app update experience”. I think this update gives more flexibility and security for users’ experience. However, it is better for Google to continue monitor this new API to ensure that information of users is protected.