Native Update - OTA Updates, App Updates & Reviews for Capacitor

What is Native Update?

Native Update is an open-source Capacitor plugin that provides three core features in one package: OTA (Over-The-Air) live updates for instant code deployment without app store approval, native app store update prompts for iOS and Android, and in-app review integration to collect user ratings. It works with any Capacitor app regardless of the frontend framework — React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, or vanilla JavaScript. Currently in free beta with a web dashboard included.

Key Features

  • OTA Live Updates - Deploy JavaScript, HTML, and CSS changes instantly without app store submission
  • Delta Updates - Download only changed files to minimize bandwidth and speed up delivery
  • Automatic Rollback - Failed updates automatically revert to the previous working version
  • Update Channels - Deploy to beta, staging, or production channels independently
  • Staged Rollouts - Gradually release updates to a percentage of users
  • Bundle Signing - Checksum validation ensures only verified bundles are applied
  • App Store Updates - Prompt users to update via iOS App Store or Google Play Store
  • In-App Reviews - Collect user reviews and ratings using native review dialogs
  • Web Dashboard - Manage apps, builds, rollouts, and analytics from one place
  • CLI Tool - Command-line interface for release management and automation

How to Install Native Update

Install via npm or yarn: run "yarn add native-update" or "npm install native-update", then "npx cap sync" to sync native files. Configure the plugin in your capacitor.config.ts and start deploying OTA updates immediately.

Use Cases

  • Bug Fixes - Push critical fixes without waiting for app store review
  • Content Updates - Update app content in real-time
  • A/B Testing - Test different versions with user segments
  • Staged Rollouts - Gradually release updates to reduce risk
  • Emergency Patches - Deploy urgent security updates within seconds
  • CodePush Alternative - Modern replacement for Microsoft CodePush for Capacitor apps

Platforms Supported

  • iOS - App Store update prompts and OTA live updates
  • Android - Google Play update prompts and OTA live updates
  • Web - Fallback support for Progressive Web Apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Native Update free?
Yes. Native Update is an open-source MIT-licensed plugin. The dashboard is currently in free beta.
Does it work with React, Vue, and Angular?
Yes. Native Update works with any Capacitor app regardless of the frontend framework.
Is Native Update a CodePush alternative?
Yes. It provides OTA updates with delta downloads, automatic rollback, and bundle signing for Capacitor apps.
Do OTA updates require app store approval?
No. JavaScript, HTML, and CSS changes deploy instantly. Only native code changes need app store submission.

Developer

Author: Ahsan Mahmood
Website: aoneahsan.com
npm: npmjs.com/package/native-update
GitHub: github.com/aoneahsan