A kill switch is a mechanism that lets you control previous releases (versions) of a mobile app. Being able to manage - block or notify app versions is an important capability, that every app developer should poses.
In this article, we explore how such a system can benefit your mobile app.
Enforcing app updates
In contrast to web apps, where users typically run the latest app version, multiple versions of the same mobile app can coexist for extended periods. This is because mobile app updates can be disabled by users, causing them to continue using the initially downloaded version or requiring manual updates. Even when users have automatic updates enabled, there is no guarantee of when the update will occur, as it depends on specific conditions such as phone charging, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other factors.
App stores, such as Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, lack the built-in mechanism to force app updates on users. Therefore, the responsibility to enforce updates lies with the app developer.
Why would you want to enforce app updates?
Backend support: By blocking outdated app versions, you avoid the need to maintain backend compatibility with all versions. Failing to do so would result in a portion of your user base being unable to use your app, leading to increased technical debt and higher development and operational costs.
Feature changes: As your product evolves, new features will be added while old, unused, or obsolete ones are removed. To ensure all users can migrate to the new platform, having the ability to force app updates becomes crucial.
UI/Branding changes: If you undergo a UI revamp or implement branding changes without enforcing app updates, your user base becomes fragmented. Some users will experience the new branding and designs, while others remain stuck on older versions.
Blocking app usage
Everyone makes mistakes, even the best development teams with all the safety checks in place. Additionally, almost all digital products nowadays rely on some third-party code, or third-party vendors for implementing certain features. That means your app could stop working properly due to an outage on the third party you're using, or because of a critical bug that wasn't caught in time.
Why would you want to block app usage temporarily?
Backend issue: If a faulty version of your backend is released, causing significant problems for users (e.g., credit card processing issues), blocking app usage becomes necessary. This action helps mitigate the problem until the issue is resolved or the version is rolled back.
3d-party outage: When certain third-party services experience malfunctions, the functionality of your app can be adversely affected. Blocking app usage temporarily can prevent users from encountering issues arising from the third-party service's downtime.
Encouraging app updates
Mobile app releases occur frequently, sometimes even multiple times per week. However, many users do not actively check for app updates, and automatic updates may not occur due to various device-related factors. Consequently, users may continue to use outdated app versions.
Why would you want to enforce app updates?
Expedite the update process: If your latest update addresses a critical issue affecting users, it is important to prompt them to update the app swiftly. This ensures that the problem is resolved promptly and improves the user experience.
Highlight new features: If the newest version of your app includes long-awaited features requested by users, urging them to update allows them to explore these additions directly within the app. This approach saves advertising costs and informs users that the desired features are now available for testing.
Conclusions
Having the ability to control your mobile app releases it's an important capability that many development teams ignore due to the required development time and systems involved. A kill switch for your mobile apps is like insurance, you don't need it all the time, but when an issue arises, you'd be glad you've implemented it.
The great news is that with Semaphr, the process is incredibly simple. By creating an account and integrating the SDK, you can have a cutting-edge kill switch system integrated into your product in less than 10 minutes. What's even better is that it's completely free.
Register now, and start effectively managing your mobile app releases.