App Updates
BLOCQ regularly provides updates to the app platform. These updates contain new features, improvements and bug fixes.
Important Difference: Three Types of Changes
Section titled “Important Difference: Three Types of Changes”What are App Updates?
Section titled “What are App Updates?”App Updates bring new versions of the BLOCQ framework to your already published app. After the first publication, this process runs fully automatically - for both platforms!
| Update Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| New Modules | Additional features | New editors, widgets, features |
| Improvements | Optimizations | Better performance, more intuitive operation |
| Bug Fixes | Bugfixes | Stability improvements, corrections |
| Platform Updates | Compatibility | Support for new iOS/Android versions |
| Security Updates | Protection | Fixing security vulnerabilities |
Prerequisite: First Publication Completed
Section titled “Prerequisite: First Publication Completed”| Platform | First Publication | After: Updates |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Automatic to TestFlight | Fully automatic |
| Android | Manual AAB upload | Fully automatic |
After the first publication, both platforms are fully automatic - no more manual uploads needed!
Who can perform updates?
Section titled “Who can perform updates?”| Role | Permission |
|---|---|
| Owner | ✓ |
| Administrator | ✗ |
| Moderator | ✗ |
| Editor | ✗ |
Update Process
Section titled “Update Process”- You receive a notification about an available update
- Open App Updates in the admin dashboard
- Review the changelog information for the update
- Click on Request Update
- Enter your Admin PIN
- Wait for the build process (15-45 min)
- The app is automatically uploaded to both stores
- Done!
What happens during the update?
Section titled “What happens during the update?”Request Update → Build starts → iOS & Android built →Automatically to TestFlight & Play Store → Done!| Step | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Build | BLOCQ server builds new app versions | 15-45 min |
| iOS Upload | Automatically to App Store Connect / TestFlight | ~5 min |
| Android Upload | Automatically to Play Store | ~5 min |
Update Notifications
Section titled “Update Notifications”You will be informed about available updates:
| Location | Information |
|---|---|
| Admin Dashboard | Badge shows available updates |
| App Updates Page | Detailed changelog information |
| For important security updates |
When should I update?
Section titled “When should I update?”| Situation | Recommendation | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Security update | Update immediately | 🔴 High |
| Platform update | Update promptly | 🟠 Medium |
| New features | Update as needed | 🟡 Normal |
| Minor improvements | Collect and update regularly | 🟢 Low |
Reading the Changelog
Section titled “Reading the Changelog”Each update contains a changelog with:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| New | New functions and features |
| Improved | Optimizations of existing features |
| Fixed | Corrected errors |
| Important | Notes on compatibility or migration |
Tracking Update Status
Section titled “Tracking Update Status”During the update, you’ll see the current progress:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Update request was sent |
| Processing | Build server is working |
| iOS uploaded | iOS version in TestFlight |
| Android uploaded | Android version in Play Store |
| Completed | Both platforms successful |
| Failed | An error occurred |
Status polling happens automatically every 15 seconds.
After the Update
Section titled “After the Update”After a successful update:
- Test the app - Check that everything works as expected
- Review new features - Use the new features in Edit Mode
- Inform your team - Share news with other administrators
Store Review
Section titled “Store Review”| Store | Review Duration |
|---|---|
| Apple App Store | 1-7 days (review) |
| Google Play Store | 1-3 days (review) |
Users receive the update automatically through the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Will my settings be lost during the update?
Section titled “Will my settings be lost during the update?”No! Your configuration (colors, layouts, settings) is completely preserved. Only the code base is updated.
Do I have to reconfigure everything after the update?
Section titled “Do I have to reconfigure everything after the update?”No, all your settings are carried over. In rare cases, there are new settings that you can optionally adjust.
How long does an update take?
Section titled “How long does an update take?”| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Build process | 15-45 minutes |
| Store upload | ~10 minutes |
| Store review | 1-7 days |
Can I skip updates?
Section titled “Can I skip updates?”Yes, for normal updates. However, you should always perform security updates promptly.
What happens with running users?
Section titled “What happens with running users?”Users with the old version can continue to use the app. They will receive the update automatically through the App Store.
Why is no manual upload needed for updates?
Section titled “Why is no manual upload needed for updates?”The Google Play API can automatically upload updates for existing apps. Only for the first publication is a manual upload required, as the API cannot create new apps.
What’s the difference to “Pushed Changes”?
Section titled “What’s the difference to “Pushed Changes”?”| Aspect | Pushed Changes | App Updates |
|---|---|---|
| What changes? | Configuration (colors, layouts) | Code base (BLOCQ framework) |
| Effect | Immediately visible | After store publication |
| Store review | Not required | Required |
| Where? | Admin → Pending Changes | Admin → App Updates |