Self-updating apps?

BradOssi

I'm moving from iOS (been with iOS since the first iPhone) to GOS. I do not want Google Play installed on my device or to rely on it, and I'm not computer or phone savvy or good at tech. I installed the Accresent app to install app verifier, and have been using that to verify apks that I download and install.

Is there a way to know if apps are self updating (won't require Google Play installation) before I download and install them? And once installed, how would I know if the updating is automatic or manual through the app?

So far I've installed Proton VPN, Protonmail, Organic Maps, Signal, Molly, Bitwarden, Accresent, and AppVerifer. Unfortunately, this is not intuitive for me at all and my situation won't allow for many complicated processes that I need learn and troubleshoot to update apps on the go.

Also, if anyone has any recommendation for apps that self update and for an app that would let me use iMessage I would appreciate it.

Probably9857

BradOssi

I would suggest using Otainium to manage any apps that aren't from an app store and don't self-update.

Obtainium will check for updates, and at least notify you when an update is available. In some cases it can auto-update apps, but not always.

other8026

BradOssi Whether an app updates itself is app-specific. Most app developers won't bother since most users have app store apps that do automatic updates.

BradOssi Proton VPN, Protonmail, Organic Maps, Signal, Molly, Bitwarden, Accresent, and AppVerifer

Out of that list, I am not sure if Signal can update itself. I know Molly should be able to if you set it up in the app's settings. Accrescent will update itself as well as other apps installed with Accrescent.

BradOssi

other8026

Thanks. I read someone say on this forum that signal auto updates, but maybe that's only if its downloaded from a store. I downloaded Molly from the Accresecent app, so thats good.

rustybird

other8026 I am not sure if Signal can update itself.

For every new release, it will download the update and then show a notification that you have to tap to actually install it.

They've disabled fully automatic updates (except for nightly builds): https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/blob/v7.28.3/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/apkupdate/ApkUpdateInstaller.kt#L148-L149