📌 What is In-App Update in Android?
Google Play Core Library allows you to prompt users to update your app without leaving the app.
There are two types of in-app updates:
- Flexible – User continues using the app while downloading.
- Immediate – User must update before proceeding.
🚀 Add Required Dependency
Add this to your build.gradle.kts (Kotlin DSL):
✅ Sync your project after adding.
🧠 Step-by-Step: In-App Update with Kotlin
1️⃣ Import the Required Classes
2️⃣ Initialize the AppUpdateManager
3️⃣ Check for Available Updates
4️⃣ Handle Resume After Download
🔧 Constants
✅ Optional: Add a Listener (for progress)
🎯 Best Practices
- Use FLEXIBLE for minor updates (UI, bug fixes)
- Use IMMEDIATE for critical security or data changes
- Always handle lifecycle properly (e.g.
onResume) - Test updates using Google Play internal testing tracks
🧱 build.gradle.kts (Kotlin DSL)
✅ Full Kotlin Code – In-App Update (Flexible)
✅ Full Kotlin Code – In-App Update (IMMEDIATE)
🔄 Flexible In-App Update – ⚠️ Immediate In-App Update
✅ Pros:
- Non-intrusive: User can continue using the app while the update downloads.
- Better user experience: No interruption; users can choose when to install.
- Higher engagement: Users stay in the app longer during the update.
- Good for non-critical updates like UI improvements, minor features, etc.
❌ Cons:
- Users may ignore the update and not install it immediately.
- Update may never complete if the app is closed before installation.
✅ Pros:
- Forces the update: User must install the update to use the app.
- Ensures all users are on the latest version quickly.
- Ideal for urgent fixes, like security issues or critical crashes.
❌ Cons:
- Interrupts user flow: Cannot use the app until update finishes.
- May frustrate users if they’re busy or using mobile data.
- Can lead to app abandonment if the update fails or is slow.
⚖️ Summary Table
| Feature | Flexible Update | Immediate Update |
|---|---|---|
| User can keep using app | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Forces update | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Ideal for | Minor/medium changes | Urgent/critical issues |
| User experience | 👍 Smooth, flexible | ⚠️ Interruptive |
| Installation timing | When user agrees | Immediately required |
