Keeping users on the latest version: Strategies for mandatory app updates
As an app developer working to continuously improve your app and ship its latest features, you’ve likely struggled with getting your app user base to update their apps to get a fully-optimized experience.
This can be a much less challenging scenario if your app users have enabled automatic updates, which frees them of the burden of manually updating their apps themselves.
But how many mobile users have enabled automatic app updates?
While Apple and Google do not publicly disclose specific statistics on iOS and Android users who leverage automatic app updates, it is estimated that 70% of users enabled automatic app updates to keep their apps on the latest versions.
In this article, we’ll walk you through strategies to accelerate the adoption of new app updates for the remaining 30% of users. From subtle nudges to mandatory update enforcement, we’ll cover techniques to ensure your users upgrade to the latest version, and reap the full benefits of your most recently-added app features.
Why should you encourage users to have the latest version of your app?
Keeping users on the latest version of your mobile app is crucial for security, performance, and overall user experience. Accelerating the adoption of app updates ensures that all users benefit from the newest features, bug fixes, and critical security patches.
Additionally, by maintaining version consistency, developers like you can streamline support, minimize fragmentation, and focus on improving the app rather than troubleshooting outdated versions.
Let’s walk through strategies to accelerate the adoption of new app updates.
How to implement versioning for mobile apps: A quick guide
Semantic versioning for Google Play and the Apple App Store
A structured versioning system builds the foundation for managing updates and guiding users through different app versions. Most mobile apps follow Semantic Versioning, which uses a MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format (e.g., 3.2.1):
- MAJOR (X.0.0) - Breaking changes; users may need to update.
- MINOR (X.Y.0) - New features, backward-compatible.
- PATCH (X.Y.Z) - Bug fixes, security, and performance updates.
Semantic Versioning helps enforce updates strategically — major updates can mandate upgrades, while minor and patch updates can be nudged via in-app prompts or auto-updates. Clear versioning also improves update messaging, making it easier to communicate the importance of new releases and keep users on the most secure, optimized version.
Both Google Play and the Apple App Store require a versioning system for managing app updates, making Semantic Versioning an effective choice.
By maintaining a consistent versioning approach, developers can simplify update management, reduce fragmentation, and ensure a good user experience.
Semantic versioning for the Google Play Store: Strategies for mandatory app updates
Google Play uses versionName and versionCode to manage app versions:
- versionName - The public-facing version number displayed to users (e.g., 1.2.3)
- versionCode - An internal numeric value that must increase with every release
To maintain consistency, developers should align MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH changes with both values, ensuring clear versioning and structured updates.
Apple App Store semantic versioning: Strategies for mandatory updates
Apple uses CFBundleShortVersionString and CFBundleVersion to manage iOS app versions:
- CFBundleShortVersionString - The public-facing version number displayed to users (e.g., 1.2.3).
- CFBundleVersion - An internal build number that must increase with every release.
Applying Semantic Versioning ensures clear communication, structured updates, and a consistent experience for users across different iOS versions.
How to detect app versions
After establishing a versioning strategy, detecting app versions becomes essential for optimizing user experience and app management. Detecting app versions allows you to tailor the experience for users on different versions.
If a newer version introduces breaking changes or new features, version detection ensures users on older versions don’t face errors or missing functionality. This reduces frustration and prevents app uninstalls.
It also aids in troubleshooting and support. By knowing which version users are on, your team can prioritize fixes for version-specific bugs and resolve issues more efficiently. Plus, version detection helps with analytics, letting you segment users, track performance, and make data-driven improvements.
Mandatory app updates: 2 key strategies for user adoption
What are automatic app updates?
Estimates indicate that around 70% of your mobile app users will receive version updates automatically, thanks to the automatic app update feature enabled on both the Google Play and Apple App Store platforms.
For this large group of users, the update process is smooth and effortless, meaning they will seamlessly transition to the latest version of your app. As a result, this article will shift focus to users who do not have automatic updates enabled.
Strategy #1: Soft app updates: Notifications using in-app messaging and push notifications
When it comes to nudging users to update your app, both in-app messages and push notifications are effective tools, but each comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
In-app messaging to encourage user app updates
In-app messages provide a subtle and non-intrusive way to prompt users to update their app. These messages only appear when users are actively engaging with the app, making them a natural part of the experience.
The primary advantage of in-app messages lies in their strategic placement and high engagement potential. By showing up at key moments - such as after completing a task or reaching a milestone — they increase the likelihood of users taking action. Since users are already focused on the app, they’re more likely to follow through with the update.
But, be warned: in-app messages have some limitations. They only reach users who are currently using the app, meaning those who haven’t opened it in a while will miss the message. Additionally, if the message isn’t compelling enough or if it appears too frequently, users might ignore it, postponing the update.
Push notifications to encourage user app updates
Push notifications provide a wider reach by delivering messages to users even when they’re not actively using the app. This makes them especially effective for reminding users about important updates or new features, such as bug fixes or breaking changes.
One of the key advantages of push notifications is their ability to create a sense of urgency, encouraging users to take action quickly. Since they appear directly on users’ devices, push notifications are harder to ignore compared to in-app messages.
However, with increased visibility comes the risk of push notifications feeling intrusive. If users receive too many notifications or if they’re poorly timed, they may become annoyed or opt out entirely. Over time, users may also experience notification fatigue, causing them to dismiss or ignore update prompts altogether.
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#2. Hard app updates: How hard update enforcements can guarantee consistency — and frustration
Hard update enforcements are a more direct approach to ensuring that users update their app by blocking access to the app until the latest version is installed. This method is particularly effective when an update contains critical bug fixes, security patches, or major feature changes that are essential for the proper functioning of the app.
The main advantage of hard update enforcements is their ability to guarantee that all users are on the latest version. By blocking access to outdated versions, you ensure that everyone has the necessary updates for a consistent, secure, and optimized experience.
However, hard update enforcements also come with potential downsides. While they ensure that users update, they can lead to frustration, especially if users are caught off guard by being locked out of the app. This can create a negative user experience, particularly if the update isn't clearly communicated or if users are unable to update immediately due to technical issues or limited connectivity.
Hard app updates: A step-by-step guide
To efficiently manage app updates, improve performance, and maintain user satisfaction, follow these five key steps:
- Implement a clear versioning system: Use Semantic Versioning (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH) to organize updates, making it easy to communicate major changes, minor updates, and bug fixes. Align your versioning with Google Play and Apple App Store requirements for consistency.
- Detect and manage app versions: Once your versioning system is in place, focus on detecting app versions to optimize user experience. Version detection helps prevent errors in older versions and aids troubleshooting, while also supporting targeted outreach to your users.
- Encourage automatic updates: Since around 70% of users will receive updates automatically, focus on those without auto-updates enabled. Encourage them to enable it or make the update process as seamless as possible.
- Leverage soft notifications for updates: Use in-app messages and push notifications to nudge users toward updates. In-app messages work well for active users, while push notifications reach those who aren’t using the app. Be mindful of frequency and timing to avoid overwhelming users.
- Consider hard update enforcement for critical updates: For essential updates, like security patches or major feature releases, consider blocking access to the app until users update. Ensure this is clearly communicated to avoid frustration, balancing the approach with user-friendly messaging to minimize churn
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Summary
To wrap it up, keeping your users on the latest version of your app is key to delivering the best experience.
By setting up a solid versioning system, using a mix of soft nudges and hard update enforcement, and pushing for automatic updates, you’ll make sure everyone benefits from your latest features and improvements while minimizing issues with outdated versions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I encourage users to enable automatic updates?
You can prompt users within the app to enable automatic updates with clear instructions, or use a subtle in-app message or push notification to remind them of the benefits, like getting new features and security updates without any hassle.
When should I enforce a hard update?
Hard updates should be reserved for critical updates — such as security patches, bug fixes, or major feature changes — where it's essential that all users are on the latest version to maintain the app’s functionality and protect user data.
How often should I send update reminders via push notifications?
Timing is everything. Space out reminders so they aren’t intrusive—try sending one initial notification and following up a week later if the user still hasn’t updated. Too many notifications too quickly can lead to frustration and users opting out.
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