Background Updates

Technology never stands still—and neither does the tchop platform. To maintain high performance, security, and a great user experience, all apps need to be updated regularly. Updates include:

• Technical improvements

• New features and functions

• Layout and design changes

• Compliance with app store or OS policies

We usually do updates every two to three months to make sure users have the feeling, that the overall experience makes progress.

App Distribution: B2C vs. B2B

Apps can be distributed via:

• B2C (public App Store) – Available to the public

• B2B (internal use) – Distributed privately to employees

For internal use, we recommend B2B distribution. Apple typically does not encourage public B2C apps for internal use.

For corporate devices, apps can be deployed using an MDM (Mobile Device Management) system. tchop provides the app package, and your IT team handles distribution like with any other app.

How Mobile App Updates Work

When an update is ready, it must go through several steps before reaching users:

1. Preparation
   Updates are built, tested, and packaged by our development team. This includes bug fixes, new features, and compatibility with the latest OS versions.
   
   

2. App Store Submission
   The update is submitted to Apple’s App Store and/or Google Play Store, either via your account or tchop’s. Required materials include:

   • Update notes (in English and German)

   • Screenshots, version number, and other metadata
     
     

3. Review & Approval

   • Apple: Manual review process; usually takes 1–3 days, but can vary.

   • Google: Often automated; updates are usually live within a few hours.
     
     

4. Release
   After approval, the update is released to users. This can happen:

   • Immediately

   • Staggered (gradual rollout)

   • Scheduled at a specific time
     
     

5. User Update

   • On corporate devices with MDM: Updates can be forced silently.

   • On personal devices: Users must enable automatic updates or manually install the update. Delays in updating may occur.

App Store Access

Apps can be published through:

• Your own App Store accounts (recommended)

• tchop’s App Store account

We advise clients to use their own accounts for more control and flexibility. For smooth updates, it's recommended that tchop is granted admin rights in your App Store accounts. This allows us to manage updates efficiently and automate key parts of the process.

Once invited, tchop handles all tasks on your behalf.

App Store Update Notes

Apple and Google require a brief description of what’s new in every app version. These update notes help users understand what’s changed before downloading.

tchop typically provides draft notes in English and German, which means we handle this entirely for you. Of course you can also provide your own input.

Learn more here:
🔗 Mobile App Deployment & Distribution

Technical Updates

These updates are driven by external requirements from Apple or Google:

• New iOS/Android versions

• Changes to privacy regulations

• Updates in store policies or distribution rules

tchop manages all technical updates automatically. No action is required from your side. We ensure your apps are always compatible, secure, and stable.

Forced Updates

Through MDM, updates can be pushed automatically to employee devices—users don’t notice anything.

On personal devices, users control whether updates happen automatically or manually. To avoid outdated versions being used, tchop can enforce updates, requiring users to update before using the app—especially important for:

• Critical bugs

• Security fixes

Web App

Updating our web app is simpler:

• No app stores involved

• Updates happen often on a bi-weekly

• No downtime or just a few seconds

• Users don’t need to take any action