<div>
<p></p>
<h2>Introduction: Understanding CodePush and Its Impact on Mobile App Updates</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Before CodePush, mobile developers had to submit a new version of their applications to the <strong>App Store</strong> or <strong>Google Play</strong> and wait for it to pass the review process. It’s no surprise that this process could take a long time, and it would take even longer for users to update their apps and start using the new version.</div>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Now, imagine you are a mobile developer going through this entire process for <strong>a single minor fix/update</strong>—it would undoubtedly be time-consuming and frustrating, especially as the number of fixes increases.</div>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">This is where <strong>CodePush</strong> comes into play, allowing you to push <strong>over-the-air (OTA)</strong> updates directly and instantly to your apps—without app store reviews and without requiring users to update to the latest version.</div>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">In this article, we will dive deeper into what <strong>CodePush</strong> is, how it works, its key benefits, potential limitations, and how <strong>Appcircle</strong> is shaping the future of OTA updates.</div>
<h2>What is CodePush?</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph"><strong>CodePush</strong> is a cloud-based service offered by <a href="/mobile-ci-cd-tools/app-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Microsoft’s App Center</strong></a>, allowing <strong>React Native</strong> developers to deliver <strong>over-the-air (OTA) real-time updates</strong> to their mobile applications. The core functionality of <strong>CodePush</strong> is to inject updates without modifying the app&#8217;s native code. It acts as a central repository where developers can publish updates that do not require native code changes.</div>
<h3>How does it enable over-the-air (OTA) updates?</h3>
<ol>
<li>To use CodePush, mobile developers are expected to <strong>integrate</strong> the <strong>CodePush SDK</strong> into their apps.</li>
<li>The mobile application then communicates with the CodePush SDK and checks for <strong>updates</strong> continuously.</li>
<li>When an update is available, this <strong>update is applied to the mobile app dynamically</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>end-users experience the updated version of the app instantly</strong> without the need for reinstallation nor updating the app.</li>
</ol>
<h2>What Can CodePush Update (and What It Can’t)?</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Here is a summary of what you can and cannot update using CodePush</div>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">
<div>
<div></div>
<table dir="ltr">
<thead>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph"><strong>Update Types</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph"><strong>What CodePush CAN Update</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph"><strong>What CodePush CANNOT Update</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">JavaScript</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Logic changes, bug fixes, feature improvements</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Native module changes, new dependencies</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">UI &amp; Styling</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Styles, UI tweaks, layout updates</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">New native UI components</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Assets</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Images, fonts, JSON files, localization</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Native assets (e.g., vector drawables)</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Permissions &amp; Config</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">&#8211;</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">App permissions, Gradle/Xcode settings</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">React Native Framework</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">&#8211;</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div>
<div>
<p></p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Major React Native upgrades</div>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Is CodePush Allowed by Apple and Google?</h2>
<p>● Avoiding App Store Policy Violations</p>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">CodePush is allowed by <strong>Apple</strong> and <strong>Google</strong>, but developers must ensure they do not violate any store policies. The key rule of thumb is that over-the-air (OTA) updates must NOT:</div>
<ul>
<li>Change the <strong>app’s primary functionality</strong></li>
<li>Introduce <strong>significant modifications</strong></li>
<li>Release <strong>content that violates content policies</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Additionally, it is recommended <strong>not to make substantial UI/UX changes</strong> without submitting the app for a full review.</div>
<p>● Best Practices to Stay Compliant</p>
<ul>
<li>Use CodePush only for minor bug fixes, UI tweaks, and non-native updates.</li>
<li>Keep your app descriptions accurate to reflect any changes.</li>
<li>Allow users to opt-in to updates rather than forcing them, and allow users to roll back to the previous version in case of a problem with the new version.</li>
<li>Balance real-time updates with compliance to maintain end-user trust.</li>
<li>Use staged rollouts by gradually releasing updates to a percentage of users rather than releasing to all users</li>
<li>Monitor for issues</li>
<li>Follow Apple and Google’s latest guidelines to stay up to date with policy changes.</li>
</ul>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">By following these best practices, developers can use <strong>CodePush</strong> seamlessly and safely while staying compliant with Apple and Google policies and maintaining trust and transparency with the end-users.</div>
<h2>The Countdown is on: What Happens When CodePush is Retired?</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Unfortunately, <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/appcenter/retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Microsoft App Center is set to be retired on March 31, 2025</strong></a>, along with all the services it offers, including <strong>CodePush</strong>. While users can still receive support until the retirement date, the service will no longer be available after that point.</div>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Developers are strongly <strong>encouraged to transition to alternative solutions as early as possible to</strong> ensure a smooth migration and address potential issues that may arise during the transition process.</div>
<h2>The Future of CodePush with Appcircle (Exclusive Insight!)</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">As mentioned earlier, Microsoft App Center will soon be retired, along with its services, including <strong>CodePush</strong>. Developers are now looking for an alternative to continue their OTA updates seamlessly. While creating an in-house OTA solution is an option, it comes with its own challenges and maintenance burdens. For this reason, using a service is highly recommended. <strong>Appcircle</strong> will soon offer an alternative to CodePush, providing easier OTA updates with more flexibility, security, and improved update management. Appcircle ensures smooth OTA updates along with CI/CD support through its comprehensive set of tools.</div>
<h3>Benefits of Using Appcircle for OTA Updates, CI/CD</h3>
<ul class="">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-09895792-f14a-4e4d-853e-efd534ce7ad717"><strong>Unified platform</strong>: Appcircle offers an all-in-one solution for mobile application workflows, including builds, testing, and distribution.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-09895792-f14a-4e4d-853e-efd534ce7ad717"><strong>CI/CD Integration</strong>: Seamless integration with your CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-09895792-f14a-4e4d-853e-efd534ce7ad717"><strong>Cross-platform support</strong>: Supports native, Flutter, and React Native apps, offering flexibility for various development environments.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-09895792-f14a-4e4d-853e-efd534ce7ad717"><strong>Enhanced control</strong>: Appcircle gives you full control over your app lifecycle.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-09895792-f14a-4e4d-853e-efd534ce7ad717"><strong>Seamless OTA updates</strong>: Along with all the benefits, Appcircle will soon support CodePush-like updates in an easy-to-use manner.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph"><strong>CodePush</strong> offers a valuable service for delivering real-time updates without the need for app review. However, these updates must be minor to avoid potential policy violations. <strong>Appcircle</strong> provides an exciting alternative, supporting OTA updates with a unified platform for CI/CD. If you&#8217;re looking for an alternative to CodePush with enhanced features and scalability, Appcircle might be the right fit for your mobile app needs.</div>
</div>

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