For most developers, the overwhelming majority of app updates happen automatically over Wi-Fi (“auto-update”). Unfortunately, this mechanism, does not reach the entire Android user base, meaning some users inevitably remain on older app versions. Historically, developers have addressed this by asking users to update their app and sending them to the Play Store landing page. As this requires users to leave the app, this can be a heavy process, resulting in a low conversion rate.

At Playtime 2018, in response to this challenge, we announced In-App Updates, a new update request flow developers can use to prompt active users of their apps to update. This API will support two user flows:
  1. Immediate: a full screen experience that carriers the user from download to install/instart before using the app
  2. Flexible: a user experience that provides background download and installation with graceful state monitoring.

Before launching to the public, we will be whitelisting select developer accounts for access through an Early Access Program (EAP). If you are interested in being an early tester of this feature, please complete the form below.  If you are selected for this program, a member of our team will be in touch in order to execute the necessary paperwork.