Do we really need to constantly update iOS Apps?

[dmj102]

If my apps work just fine on my iPad 4, why do I need to bother updating them all the time? It seems that there are constant updates (Shazam, Flipboard to name a couple). I do understand that some apps will force you to update.

I have found that with some apps, I update and there are features removed, or the U.I. changed for the worse, or there are more annoying ads to deal with. So I'm beginning to think, what is the point if it works. Anyone else finding this?

 

[Floris]

The short answer is : no.

I think if you are using an app and it works just fine - and has the feature you want - there's not a single reason to upgrade/update an app.

The updates and upgrades by developers are to help those who'd love to see more features in the app, or perhaps have a bug for their device and the update fixes that. So for those: yes, it helps.

You can turn off auto-updates, and even simply ignore the update notifications. If the red (1) on the app store bothers you, move it to a second screen or alike.

Personally I do not mind, I even enjoy reading the changelog if they provide one. I then try to find time to beta test the app for my needs, and if anything comes up I try to contact the company with a report.

If it works for you: don't fix it - it's not mandatory or needed.

I do like the idea of over the air updates a lot though.. my mom is using the iPad daily now and she doesn't even notice there are updates, or even better, .. that they have been updated in the background. Any bug that comes up is usually fixed within a reasonable amount of time: improving her experience using the iPad.

 

[garyleecn]

most updates are bug fixes, stability improvements and such... so if you are not encountering any bugs or not need any new features, then no, you dont need to update apps.


but on the other hand, i think ios has a feature to update apps automatically, then why do you care if it's updated or not... just let it do the job. and when you go get new apps, just tap on 'update all' since you are already in the appstore

 

[Floris]

most updates are bug fixes, stability improvements and such... so if you are not encountering any bugs or not need any new features, then no, you dont need to update apps.


but on the other hand, i think ios has a feature to update apps automatically, then why do you care if it's updated or not... just let it do the job. and when you go get new apps, just tap on 'update all' since you are already in the appstore

About your last paragraph, you make a valid point, but .. startups pivot, based on how great or poorly their app is, or on how much influence their VC funding is. Example: 53's Paper app used to be Juuuuust the way I like it, the quick open, paper, draw out, and next page.. was ideal for concept drawing with a client next to me. Now it auto updated and has completely changed. The 2-finger time-step undo/redo is gone, which I used to show 'differences', and there are popups to sign up and participate in contests and online communities and what not. And the swipe from bottom up is different etc. It's become the opposite of usable for the purpose I used it for. If I knew it would do that, I wouldn't have let it auto-upgrade.

 

[garyleecn]

About your last paragraph, you make a valid point, but .. startups pivot, based on how great or poorly their app is, or on how much influence their VC funding is. Example: 53's Paper app used to be Juuuuust the way I like it, the quick open, paper, draw out, and next page.. was ideal for concept drawing with a client next to me. Now it auto updated and has completely changed. The 2-finger time-step undo/redo is gone, which I used to show 'differences', and there are popups to sign up and participate in contests and online communities and what not. And the swipe from bottom up is different etc. It's become the opposite of usable for the purpose I used it for. If I knew it would do that, I wouldn't have let it auto-upgrade.

well, but updates happens in two ways, good and 'bad' (which is your case), and i believe the good part takes >50%, if not most, of the percentage....
and i guess most people wont bother read update notes every time right?


so, i'd rather have auto-update turned on, since it brings me benefits most of the time. in your cases, i guess i'd just go find another app? oh yeah, make sure to let the developers know your thoughts.

 

[Floris]

well, but updates happens in two ways, good and 'bad' (which is your case), and i believe the good part takes >50%, if not most, of the percentage....
and i guess most people wont bother read update notes every time right?


so, i'd rather have auto-update turned on, since it brings me benefits most of the time. in your cases, i guess i'd just go find another app? oh yeah, make sure to let the developers know your thoughts.

Oh yeah, 50? .. it's probably a higher number. If only there was a 'i regret this upgrade' button

 

[IGregory]

Don't forget many updates plug security holes as they are identified. Many developers include security fixes within bug fixes without actually saying security fix.

 

[TurboPGT!]

The short list of things that I can't stand, is topped by users that think they should decide when to update their software.

The reason why I love web apps so much is because we can update them, and not have to worry about you the user making your uninformed executive decisions.

 

[dmj102]

The short answer is : no.

I think if you are using an app and it works just fine - and has the feature you want - there's not a single reason to upgrade/update an app.

The updates and upgrades by developers are to help those who'd love to see more features in the app, or perhaps have a bug for their device and the update fixes that. So for those: yes, it helps.

You can turn off auto-updates, and even simply ignore the update notifications. If the red (1) on the app store bothers you, move it to a second screen or alike.

Personally I do not mind, I even enjoy reading the changelog if they provide one. I then try to find time to beta test the app for my needs, and if anything comes up I try to contact the company with a report.

If it works for you: don't fix it - it's not mandatory or needed.

I do like the idea of over the air updates a lot though.. my mom is using the iPad daily now and she doesn't even notice there are updates, or even better, .. that they have been updated in the background. Any bug that comes up is usually fixed within a reasonable amount of time: improving her experience using the iPad.

Thanks. I didn't think so. I've always had auto-updates turned off. A while ago, I turned off my App Store notification and that's the way I like it.

I suppose there are continuous app updates due to all the different devices. So some are not applicable to my devices. I do notice that whenever an app developer say "bugs" update, details are never specified. Meanwhile, I'm not experiencing bugs with that app.