Description
The Automatic App Update setting in Jamf Now, located under More Settings > Apps, is enabled by default for all accounts. This setting allows you to enable or disable automatic updates for both App Store and App Installer apps.
Update Process
When Automatic App Updates is enabled, Jamf Now automatically sends app update commands whenever a new version is released on the App Store. Jamf Now scans the App Store multiple times daily to detect any new app versions. Once a new version is identified, Jamf Now queues app update commands for all devices with the managed app.
Device Check-In and Update Status
During the device's next check-in, Jamf Now identifies outdated app versions and queues the app update command. The update status is then displayed under the iPad and iPhone Apps tab or Mac Apps tab as "Installing, waiting for device to check in." When the device checks in, it receives instructions to install the latest app version from the App Store, indicated by the status "Installing on device …."
For the installation to succeed, devices must be unlocked and connected to a stable network. After installation, the device will report the updated app version during the next check-in, and Jamf Now will update the app status to "Installed, admin managed."
Automatic Retry Mechanism
If the initial app update attempt fails, Jamf Now automatically retries the update every 24 hours as long as the device reports an outdated app version. This process continues until the device successfully installs the latest version and reports it during check-in.
Manual Update Initiation
You can manually initiate an app update through Jamf Now by navigating to Blueprints > Apps > Update (to update all devices within the blueprint) or by selecting individual devices under iPad and iPhone Apps/Mac Apps > Reinstall on Device. For detailed instructions, refer to Manual App Updates.
If devices continue to show an outdated app version despite multiple update attempts, investigate potential factors affecting the update process, which may be device-specific and beyond Jamf Now's control.
OS Requirements
Ensure that the device meets the app's OS requirements. You can check these requirements by clicking the "View Details" button in Jamf Now. If the device does not meet the requirements, it will install the highest version compatible with its OS.
Network Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Verify that the network allows communication with the Apple App Store and Apple Push Notification Service (APNs). Devices must connect to these services to receive and process app update commands. For more information, refer to Apple's network requirements documentation.
Cellular: Devices with cellular capabilities but no Wi-Fi connection typically block large app downloads (200 MB and above) by default. Users can adjust this setting on the device by navigating to Settings > App Store > App Downloads > Always Allow to permit app updates over cellular data. This adjustment is particularly useful for devices that seldom connect to Wi-Fi.
Device Status
Unlocked: The device must be unlocked with the passcode to execute the update command.
App State: The app being updated must be closed. On iOS devices, this means closing the app and returning to the Home Screen. For devices in Single App Mode, exit Single App Mode to complete the update and re-enable it if necessary.
Volume Purchasing Token
If updates continue to fail, check the Volume Purchasing token connection with Apple Business Manager. Renew the token if you encounter errors such as "token revoked," even if the token has not expired.