For many mobile developers, updating an app means preparing a new build, submitting it to the App Store, waiting for approval, and hoping users actually install the update.
This traditional approach can be frustrating, especially when you only need to fix a small bug or tweak a feature.
But there’s a better way.
Thanks to over-the-air (OTA) updates, it’s now possible to push changes to your app instantly, without relying on the App Store or waiting for user downloads. In this blog, we’ll explore how to do just that using AppsOnAir, the most reliable CodePush alternative available today.
Why Avoid the App Store for Every Update?
Releasing app updates through the App Store may seem like the standard process, but it comes with significant drawbacks, particularly for fast-moving development teams.
Here are some of the most common issues:
- Slow Review Times: App Store reviews can take hours or even days, slowing down your development cycle and delaying critical fixes.
- User Dependency: Even after approval, the update isn't effective unless users choose to download it, many won’t.
- Overhead for Minor Changes: Releasing a full update for a single typo fix or minor asset change is inefficient.
- Emergency Fixes Are Hard: If a critical bug slips into production, the App Store’s timeline can put your app and user experience at risk.
In today’s fast-paced mobile landscape, these delays are more than just inconvenient, they can cost you users, revenue, and reputation.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: A Smarter Approach
Over-the-air updates allow you to bypass the App Store entirely when it comes to JavaScript and asset changes. This is especially useful for React Native apps, where much of the app logic lives outside of native code.
With OTA updates, you can push new content, UI tweaks, or bug fixes directly to your users’ devices, instantly and silently. This approach gives developers:
- More control over releases
- Shorter feedback loops
- The ability to ship fixes without disrupting the user experience
Originally, Microsoft CodePush was the go-to solution for React Native OTA updates. But with its deprecation, developers need a robust, modern alternative.
Introducing AppsOnAir: A Modern CodePush Alternative
AppsOnAir is a drop-in replacement for CodePush, but with a broader feature set and smoother integration. Built for speed and simplicity, it gives you everything you loved about CodePush, without the limitations.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Fully supports the CodePush SDK; you don’t need to rewrite your codebase.
- Real-Time Updates: Push fixes and features to live apps instantly, without waiting for users or app store approvals.
- Dashboard Control: Monitor update performance, rollbacks, and install metrics all from one place.
- App Distribution Included: Unlike CodePush, AppsOnAir also handles app distribution, so you can manage releases from a single platform.
- Open Source & Lightweight: Built transparently with developers in mind, so it integrates easily with your workflow.
Whether you’re a solo developer or managing enterprise apps, AppsOnAir gives you full control over how and when updates are shipped.
How to Use AppsOnAir to Update Your App Without the App Store
One of the best parts about AppsOnAir is how easy it is to get started. You can be up and running in just a few steps.
1. Set Up Your App
First, sign up at AppsOnAir and create a new app from the dashboard. You’ll find an option to enable CodePush functionality, which activates OTA update support for your app.
You can also configure app versions, environments (staging/production), and release settings, all from the web interface.
2. Integrate the SDK
Your developer needs to make one small change: replacing the legacy CodePush endpoint with the AppsOnAir endpoint. The SDK is lightweight and fully compatible with existing CodePush implementations.
3. Deploy Updates Instantly
Using the AppsOnAir CLI, developers can push JavaScript bundles live to production. It’s the same workflow you already know from CodePush, just with a modern backend.
You can push updates per deployment key, environment, or platform, giving you flexibility and control over who gets what.
4. Monitor and Optimize
After updates are live, the AppsOnAir dashboard provides real-time insights into:
- Number of installs per update
- Rollback stats
- Performance metrics
- Version coverage
These insights help you iterate faster and ensure your users always have the best experience.
Why Developers Love AppsOnAir
AppsOnAir isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s a long-term OTA solution designed for serious teams.
Benefits at a Glance:
First, sign up at AppsOnAir and create a new app from the dashboard. You’ll find an option to enable CodePush functionality, which activates OTA update support for your app.
- No Relearning Curve: Keep your existing CodePush workflow.
- Instant Update Delivery: No more waiting for app store review or manual user updates.
- Open Source: Transparent SDK built for flexibility and trust.
- Cross-Platform Friendly: Works with both Android and iOS React Native apps.
- Easy Migration: If you’re coming from App Center or CodePush, you’ll be up and running in minutes.
AppsOnAir is trusted by mobile teams that need to ship fast, fix bugs quickly, and maintain a seamless user experience, without the bottlenecks of the App Store.
Who Should Use AppsOnAir?
AppsOnAir is ideal for:
- React Native developers currently using (or previously using) CodePush
- Agile teams that want to iterate faster and shorten release cycles
- Startups that need to experiment and ship updates frequently
- Enterprise apps that require secure, instant patching
- Anyone who wants full control over mobile app releases without store delays
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Mobile App Updates
In the modern app landscape, speed is everything. If you’re still waiting on app store approvals or relying on users to download your updates manually, you're missing out on a better way to work.
With AppsOnAir, you can:
- Update your app instantly
- Retain your existing CodePush setup
- Monitor, control, and improve releases in real time
- Eliminate unnecessary friction from your release pipeline
Whether you’re migrating from CodePush or starting fresh, AppsOnAir is the smart way to update apps without the App Store.
