Google announced a new API at the Android Dev Summit that will soon allow Android users to update their apps in the background while they're still using them. The new set of features will be introduced as part of the Android App Bundle tool, which will include an In -app Updates API .
This API gives app developers a few options when it comes to updates. The first is the ability to send a full-screen message whenever a user launches an app to notify them that an update is available. With this API, developers can encourage users to download the latest version of an app.
If the user approves, the app will be blocked from use until the update is downloaded and installed. Normally this option should only be used for important updates that require immediate installation, such as bug fixes and critical security updates. However, it can also be used to force users to upgrade an Android app.
The second option is “flexible update,” which will allow a user to continue using the app while the update occurs in the background. Developers can also customize the update flow to appear as part of the app.
Google hasn't announced an official release date for the API, but it will be available soon. For now, the In-app Updates API will be available to select Android developers.
