is it possible to force users of older app versions to update?

Question

Is it possible to remove older versions from the app stores and avoid users from using them? I did not include some framework that checks if there is an update, so my question is if there is something native from Google and/or Apple that enables me to mark older versions as deprecated or sth. like that.

I'm afraid there isn't something like that, but maybe someone knows a solution?

Answer 1

You can still make an API call or an httpUrlConnection to get the latest version available, or check for this update on the google market if the user has it, and then redirect the user on the market in case of available update, preventing him to use the app if this case.

However if the user disconnect this solution won't work anymore. If you are not afraid of what can do the user offline, this solution work.

Edit: sorry, didn't see your app was released yet!

So I don't think it's possible then, especially for security reasons. And don't forget that many user don't have the google market ( blocked in china, sometimes replaced by the samsung store or another one, ... ).

Answer 2

AFAIK you can do it in your app itself.

Just save android:versionName on first app initialization.

Then in each start, get the current version and check compare it with the last /saved one. If its same then ignore. If different then you can show one non cancelable dialog to force user to update the app.

To get app version:

PackageInfo pInfo = getPackageManager().getPackageInfo(getPackageName(), 0);
String version = pInfo.versionName;

I think its a friendly way for developers.