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Understanding the Mobile App Approval and Update Process for iOS and Android

In the world of mobile applications, updates and new releases are essential to maintaining security, performance, and compatibility with the latest devices and operating systems. However, the process of releasing an update-whether for Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android-comes with several challenges that can cause unavoidable delays.

One of the key factors affecting the timeline of our mobile app updates is our reliance on third-party technology providers. BluB0X and BluSKY depend on integrations with external partners like HID and PortSip, whose software libraries must be updated before we can make our own changes. This situation is not unique to BluB0X; it is an industry-wide reality that affects all companies developing mobile applications.

This article will explain, in layman's terms, how Apple and Google manage mobile app approvals, why updates take time, and what factors introduce unavoidable delays in releasing new versions of our mobile app.

The Mobile App Update Process: A Step-by-Step Look​

When we release an update to an existing BluSKY mobile app-or even launch a brand-new version-there is a defined process that we must follow for both Apple and Google.

1. Apple’s App Store Approval Process

Apple is known for having a more rigorous and strictly controlled approval process. Any time we submit a new version of the BluSKY app, Apple follows these steps before approving it for public download:

  1. Code and Compatibility Review: Apple checks that the app works well with the latest iOS version and adheres to Apple’s design and functionality guidelines.
  2. Security and Privacy Review: Apple ensures that our app follows best practices for data security, privacy policies, and permissions.
  3. Performance Testing: Apple runs automated and manual tests to verify that our app does not crash or have major performance issues.
  4. Human Review: A team of Apple reviewers tests the app manually to ensure it meets all App Store guidelines.
  5. Approval or Rejection: If the app passes all tests, it is approved and made available in the App Store. If any issues are found, Apple rejects the update, and we must address their concerns before resubmitting.

Typical approval time: 1-3 days (can be longer if Apple finds issues).

2. Google Play Store Approval Process

Google’s approval process is generally faster and less restrictive than Apple’s, but it still involves multiple steps:

  1. Automated Security and Performance Checks: Google scans the app for potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility with the latest Android version.
  2. Policy Compliance Review: The app is checked for compliance with Google’s developer policies.
  3. Manual Review (if flagged): In some cases, a human reviewer may test the app for additional verification.
  4. Approval or Rejection: If the app meets Google’s standards, it is published on the Play Store. If issues are found, we must make changes and resubmit.

Typical approval time: A few hours to 2 days (can be longer for major updates or new apps).

The Challenge of Staying Compatible with New Operating Systems​

Both Apple and Google release new operating systems (iOS and Android) every year, introducing new features, security updates, and sometimes breaking changes that require app developers to make updates.

When a new iOS or Android version is released:

  1. We must ensure our app remains fully functional on the new operating system.
  2. We rely on third-party technology providers (e.g., HID for mobile access credentials and PortSip for SIP-based communication) to update their software development kits (SDKs) and libraries.
  3. Only after these third-party libraries are updated can we integrate them into our app and start testing.
  4. There is often a time lag between the OS release and when third-party vendors make their updates available.

Why Third-Party Dependencies Cause Delays

At BluB0X, we do everything we can to keep our mobile app updated, but certain delays are outside our control.

  • HID, PortSip, and other technology providers must first update their own software to support the new iOS or Android version. This is not instantaneous and can take weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the changes required.
  • Once these partners release their updates, we must integrate them into our app and run extensive testing to ensure everything works properly.
  • Only after thorough testing can we submit our update to Apple and Google for approval.

The result: There is always a gap between when Apple or Google releases a new OS and when we can update our app to be fully compatible with it. This is not due to inaction on our part-it is simply how the mobile app development ecosystem works.

Why This Is an Industry-Wide Reality​

Every mobile app that depends on external software libraries faces these same challenges. Some examples:

  • Banking Apps depend on security and authentication providers, which must update their software before banks can roll out app updates.
  • Messaging Apps that use third-party voice and video services must wait for their technology partners to upgrade their platforms before pushing out new versions.
  • Smart Home and IoT Apps rely on hardware vendors to update firmware and SDKs before they can ensure full compatibility.

BluB0X is no different-we depend on HID, PortSip, and other partners to provide essential components of our mobile app. Until they release their updated software, we cannot finalize and submit our own updates.

The Reality of Mobile App Updates​

We understand that customers expect timely updates, and we work hard to release new versions as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to recognize that app updates are a collaborative effort involving multiple companies, each with their own timelines.

  • Apple and Google set the rules for app approvals, and their review processes can introduce delays.
  • New operating systems require updates, but third-party providers must update their libraries before we can update our app.
  • This is not a BluB0X-specific challenge-it is a universal reality for all companies that develop mobile apps.

We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we navigate these necessary processes. Our goal is always to deliver the best possible mobile experience while ensuring security, reliability, and compliance with the latest industry standards.

If you have any questions about our mobile app update process, please reach out to our support team. We’re happy to provide additional insights and keep you informed of our progress.