In-app updates have become an essential feature for modern mobile applications, enabling developers to deliver critical updates and feature enhancements without requiring users to visit app stores. This capability significantly improves user retention and satisfaction by minimizing disruption.
For React Native developers, the sp-react-native-in-app-updates library provides a robust solution for implementing this functionality across both Android and iOS platforms. This comprehensive guide explores the technical implementation, platform-specific configurations, and best practices for integrating in-app updates using this library.
Related read: Avoiding High App Store Fees: Tips for Cost Savings
Traditional app update processes require users to manually visit app stores, download updates, and restart applications. Studies show that 30% of users abandon apps requiring frequent manual updates. In-app updates address this by allowing:
The sp-react-native-in-app-updates library abstracts platform-specific complexities:
☑️ Android: Uses Google play core’s native APIs for flexible (background download) and immediate (blocking) update modes.
☑️ iOS: Leverages app store deep linking via react-native-siren to redirect users to store updates.
npm install sp-react-native-in-app-updates --save
# or
yarn add sp-react-native-in-app-updatesNo additional native setup is required beyond standard React Native android configurations.
Add the following to your Info.plist to enable app store deep linking:
<key>LSApplicationQueriesSchemes</key>
<array>
<string>itms-apps</string>
</array>Now we will see the step-by-step implementation of in-app updates.
Imports that we require for the implementation of the in-app updates. With all these necessary imports, we will ensure that everything is in place before we begin.
import SpInAppUpdates, {
IAUUpdateKind,
StartUpdateOptions,
IAUInstallStatus,
} from "sp-react-native-in-app-updates";Here in this next step, we will initialize the in-app-updates library for further work.
const inAppUpdates = new SpInAppUpdates(false); // false = not in debug modeThis is the main functionality that we need to take care of.
try {
// Check if an update is required
const result = await inAppUpdates.checkNeedsUpdate();
try {
if (result.shouldUpdate) {
let updateOptions: StartUpdateOptions = {};
if (isAndroid) {
updateOptions = {
updateType: IAUUpdateKind.IMMEDIATE,
};
} else if (isIos) {
updateOptions = {
forceUpgrade: true,
title: iosUpdateConstants.title,
message: iosUpdateConstants.message,
buttonUpgradeText: iosUpdateConstants.buttonUpgradeText,
buttonCancelText: iosUpdateConstants.buttonCancelText,
};
}
// Listen to download status
inAppUpdates.addStatusUpdateListener((downloadStatus) => {
if (downloadStatus.status === IAUInstallStatus.DOWNLOADED) {
// Install the update
inAppUpdates.installUpdate();
inAppUpdates.removeStatusUpdateListener((finalStatus) => {});
}
});
// Start the update process
await inAppUpdates.startUpdate(updateOptions);
} else {
}
} catch (errr) {}
} catch (error) {}The following code snippet checks whether an update is required and, if so, starts the update process accordingly for Android and iOS:
Checking for updates: The checkNeedsUpdate() method determines whether an update is available by checking with the app distribution service.
Handling update options:
Listening to download status:
Error handling:
Use IMMEDIATE updates only for critical fixes:
Test updates in different scenarios:
Ensure proper user messaging:
Monitor and analyze update adoption:
We now have to call this file into the Global Component. So that it will call globally, and listen to the Global Events.
By implementing in-app updates, you enhance user experience by ensuring they have the latest version without manually visiting the app store. This method provides a seamless and efficient way to manage app updates, leading to better user retention and fewer outdated versions in circulation. Proper implementation of in-app updates ensures users receive timely improvements while maintaining control over their experience.
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