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78 points saubeidl | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0.478s | source
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martinald ◴[] No.44391167[source]
No automatic updates surely makes tier one a non starter, unless this can be automatically triggered by the app? For regular users it will mean horrendous version fragmentation that will just get worse and worse over the months/years. Or significantly increases churn by forcing users to manually go into the app store to update before accessing the app?
replies(2): >>44391256 #>>44391695 #
1. tfourb ◴[] No.44391695[source]
Couldn't the developer simply run a version check when the app starts and throw up a popup with the link to the app store to update the app? Sure, it will introduce some friction, but maybe it's worth it for some developers to pay a lower commission, i.e. if they plan to only rarely update their app.

But in the general sense I agree: it would be a much better user experience and contribute to safety if automatic app updates would be included in all tiers.

replies(2): >>44391855 #>>44392257 #
2. OptionOfT ◴[] No.44391855[source]
There are apps that already do this. They force you to download the new version before using it.

From an API manageability point of view it makes sense.

3. martinald ◴[] No.44392257[source]
Yes that's what I meant in the last sentence of my post. But this is serious friction and will result in churn for a lot of apps, especially on those with poor 4G or low data limits. Normally apps update mostly when the phone is charging, which is much more likely to have wifi. Now if you're out of your house and need an app you'd have to update it there and then.