Implementing in-app updates for React Native apps

Introduction

In-app updates refer to a mobile app’s ability to prompt users to download and install updates directly from within the app itself. This tutorial will explore how to implement in-app updates for React Native apps using Expo and EAS Update.

Over-the-air updates

React Native apps have the advantage of over-the-air updates, which allow developers to update an app remotely without going through the traditional app store update process.

Understanding EAS Update service

EAS Update is a service provided by Expo that enables developers to implement OTA updates in their applications using the library. It allows for updating parts of the app like JavaScript code and assets.

Implementing in-app updates for a demo React Native app

1. Log into your EAS account and install the EAS Update library.
2. Configure your project by creating an eas.json file and initializing the project.
3. Configure builds with specific profiles like staging or production.
4. Set up GitHub Actions to publish changes to the Git branch for updates.
5. Abstract the update logic into a Hook for better control.
6. Ensure to update the app version number for compatibility.

Publishing updates to the React Native app

When a new update is ready, publish it using Expo CLI command. Remember to update the app version number in the eas.json file to match the changes.

By following these steps, you can successfully implement in-app updates for React Native apps using Expo and EAS Update service.