OTA Updates
Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow you to push JavaScript code changes directly to users’ devices without requiring a new app store submission and review, ideal for bug fixes and minor updates.
What Can and Cannot Be Updated OTA
OTA updates can deliver JavaScript, styling, and asset changes, but cannot update native code changes, new native dependencies, or app permissions, which still require a full app store submission.
Using Expo Updates
Using CodePush (App Center)
Releasing a CodePush Update
Checking for Updates Manually
Staged Rollouts
Both Expo Updates and CodePush support rolling out an update to a percentage of users first, allowing you to monitor for issues before releasing to your entire user base.
App Store Policy Considerations
OTA update tools must be used within Apple and Google’s policies, which prohibit using OTA updates to change core app functionality in ways that would otherwise require a new binary review.
Conclusion
OTA updates using Expo Updates or CodePush provide a powerful way to quickly deliver JavaScript fixes and improvements to users without the delay of a full app store review cycle.
