In the fast-paced world of mobile development, the ability to push updates directly to your users without waiting for app store approvals is a game-changer.
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates make this possible, allowing you to fix bugs, roll out features, or update content smoothly.
Tools like CodePush have been popular in enabling these updates, but with its future uncertain and support dwindling, developers are now looking for robust alternatives.
This blog dives deep into the two primary routes for OTA updates today: cloud-based and self-hosted solutions.
We’ll explore their pros, cons, and which one makes the most sense depending on your needs.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to AppsOnAir, a powerful cloud-based CodePush alternative built with flexibility and developer experience in mind.
What Are OTA Updates and Why Developers Rely on Them
OTA updates allow developers to deliver code changes (usually JavaScript bundles or assets) directly to end users without requiring a full app update through the App Store or Google Play.
Especially for React Native and hybrid apps, OTA updates can significantly shorten the feedback loop and improve user experience.
Instead of shipping a full binary, you just push a patch or new bundle to a server, and the app fetches it the next time it opens.
Benefits include:
- Faster time-to-fix for bugs
- Rollout of A/B experiments
- Reduced reliance on app store cycles
- Enhanced user engagement and satisfaction
The Decline of CodePush and the Rise of Alternatives
Microsoft's App Center, which houses CodePush, has seen reduced support, and many developers are anticipating its eventual deprecation.
While it served its purpose well, the lack of flexibility, customization, and an unclear roadmap has pushed developers to explore other options.
This has given rise to a new ecosystem of CodePush alternatives, broadly categorized into:
- Cloud-Based OTA Solutions (managed platforms)
- Self-Hosted OTA Solutions (run on your own infrastructure)
Cloud-Based OTA Update Solutions
Cloud-based OTA services are hosted and maintained by third-party vendors. They usually come with dashboards, built-in analytics, and managed infrastructure.
Pros:
- Minimal setup; ideal for quick MVPs and production-grade apps
- Hosting, CDN, and update delivery all managed
- Scalable infrastructure
- Versioning, rollout control, and analytics included
- Lower upfront cost and faster time to launch
Cons:
- Subscription-based pricing model
- Less customization compared to self-hosted
- Data is stored on third-party infrastructure
Cloud-based options are suitable for most modern teams who want to focus on product development without managing their own infrastructure.
Self-Hosted OTA Update Solutions
Self-hosted solutions give you complete control by running update servers on your own infrastructure.
Ideal for developers or teams who value deep customization, security, and long-term cost control.
Pros:
- Full control over hosting, access, and workflows
- No vendor lock-in
- One-time or predictable infra costs
- Compliance-friendly (GDPR, HIPAA, enterprise requirements)
- Integration with internal CI/CD pipelines
Cons:
- Requires server and DevOps expertise
- Setup and maintenance overhead
- May lack built-in analytics, dashboards, and support
Feature Comparison Table
Introducing AppsOnAir – The Cloud-Based CodePush Alternative
If you're looking for a fast, reliable, and scalable OTA solution, AppsOnAir is a purpose-built cloud-based CodePush alternative designed for modern mobile teams.
AppsOnAir helps you push OTA updates to your React Native or hybrid apps without worrying about infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Easy Integration: Plug-and-play for React Native apps
- Hosted & Managed: No need to maintain your own servers
- Advanced Rollouts: Targeted updates, phased rollouts, and rollback support
- Secure CDN Delivery: Fast, secure delivery of bundles
- Insightful Dashboards: Track deployment metrics and performance in real-time
- CI/CD Support: Works with GitHub Actions and other pipelines
Whether you're a solo dev or a team scaling across projects, AppsOnAir gives you the flexibility and speed that traditional solutions can't.
Why Developers Love AppsOnAir:
- Hassle-free setup
- Affordable plans
- Reliable support
- No DevOps burden
How to Choose Between Self-Hosted and Cloud-Based
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Do I want a hassle-free OTA workflow?
Choose cloud-based (AppsOnAir is ideal).
2) Do I have the DevOps resources to self-manage?
Then, self-hosting could be an option.
3) Am I looking for a production-ready solution with analytics?
Cloud-based wins here.
4) Is customization or compliance my top priority?
Self-hosting might suit better, depending on the use case.
Who Should Choose What?
Final Thoughts
As OTA updates become a must-have for app teams, choosing the right platform matters. Cloud-based solutions like AppsOnAir offer a smart balance of speed, simplicity, and scalability without the hassle of server maintenance.
If you're ready to move on from CodePush or want a faster way to ship mobile updates, AppsOnAir is built for you.
