Implementing In-App Updates for Android Apps with Android Studio

As Android app developers, it’s important to keep our applications up to date with the latest features and bug fixes. However, ensuring that users download and install these updates can be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore a simple and efficient solution for implementing in-app updates using the Google Play Core library. This approach ensures a seamless user experience by prompting users to update their app without leaving the app itself.

Setting up the UpdateChecker class

To get started, we need to create a utility class called UpdateChecker. This class will handle checking for updates and initiating the update process if required. Before using this class, make sure to add the Google Play Core library to your project by adding the following line to your app-level build.gradle file:

implementation 'com.google.android.play:core:1.10.3'

Here’s the code for the UpdateChecker class:

public class UpdateChecker {

    public static final int UPDATE_REQUEST_CODE = 123;

    public static void checkForUpdates(@NonNull Activity activity) {
        // Create an instance of the AppUpdateManager
        AppUpdateManager appUpdateManager = AppUpdateManagerFactory.create(activity);

        // Check for updates
        appUpdateManager.getAppUpdateInfo().addOnSuccessListener(appUpdateInfo -> {
            if (appUpdateInfo.updateAvailability() == UpdateAvailability.UPDATE_AVAILABLE
                    && appUpdateInfo.isUpdateTypeAllowed(AppUpdateType.IMMEDIATE)) {
                // If an update is available and allowed, start the update flow
                try {
                    appUpdateManager.startUpdateFlowForResult(
                            appUpdateInfo,
                            AppUpdateType.IMMEDIATE,
                            activity,
                            UPDATE_REQUEST_CODE);
                } catch (IntentSender.SendIntentException e) {
                    e.printStackTrace();
                }
            }
        });
    }
}

Understanding the UpdateChecker class

The UpdateChecker class has a single method called checkForUpdates() that takes an Activity as its parameter. This method does the following:

1. Creates an instance of the AppUpdateManager using the AppUpdateManagerFactory.create(activity) method. The AppUpdateManager is responsible for checking and initiating updates.
2. Calls the getAppUpdateInfo() method on the AppUpdateManager instance, which returns a Task<AppUpdateInfo>. This task provides information about the availability of updates.
3. Adds an OnSuccessListener to the task. If the task is successful, it checks whether an update is available and allowed by the app’s configuration. If an update is available and allowed, it starts the update flow using the startUpdateFlowForResult() method.

Using the UpdateChecker class in your app

To use the UpdateChecker class in your app, simply call the checkForUpdates() method in your Activity‘s onCreate() method or at any other point where you’d like to check for updates:

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
    setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

    // Check for updates
    UpdateChecker.checkForUpdates(this);
}

Handling update results

After the update process is completed, the AppUpdateManager will return a result to the Activity. To handle this result, override the onActivityResult() method in your Activity:

@Override
  protected void onActivityResult(int requestCode, int resultCode, @Nullable Intent data) {
      super.onActivityResult(requestCode, resultCode, data);

      if (requestCode == UpdateChecker.UPDATE_REQUEST_CODE) {
          if (resultCode != RESULT_OK) {
              // Handle update failure or cancellation
              Log.d(TAG, "onActivityResult: update failure or cancellation");
          }
      }

  }

implementing in-app updates for Android applications is a crucial step in ensuring that users have access to the latest features and bug fixes. By using the Google Play Core library and the UpdateChecker class demonstrated in this tutorial, developers can create a seamless user experience that promotes app updates without leaving the app itself. This approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success and adoption of your application. As Android continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with best practices and leveraging in-app updates will help your app stay competitive and relevant in the ever-changing app ecosystem.

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