Allow automatic updating of VPP appsSolved

Hello, welcome to Hexnode Community!

We understand your inconvenience with the apps not being updated automatically. We shall raise it with the concerned team at the earliest to see what can be done. Will keep you updated.
Looking forward to more of your suggestions and queries.

Chloe Edison,
Hexnode UEM

I see this was requested in 2022 but since the response there have been no further updates, we have just changed to Hexnode. We have over 1000 devices and 500 apps that arent mandatory so updating them individually is not an option.

Is there a way to update them automatically without going into each device one by one and then updating each app one by one.

Hello @nizzy ,

The feature is currently in our pipeline and has been prioritized for Windows devices. We plan to implement it on macOS and iOS devices as well. However, given that Apple devices have a way of managing app updates effectively—with apps being auto-updated if configured in the App Store for iOS devices or using the ‘Automatically install app updates’ option under macOS’s ‘Software Update Preferences’ policy —the priority for these platforms was set lower than for Windows.

We will bring your request to the team’s attention and work on establishing a timeline for the feature. Thank you for your patience, and we will keep you updated on our progress. 

Best regards, 
Chloe Edison
Hexnode UEM

Hi @chloe_edison due to our Cyber Security Policies and our need to comply with CE+ in the UK we dont have app store permitted on our devices and as such apps dont get updated unless they are mandatory.

We wont be the only company in this position.

Hello @nizzy ,

I understand your situation with devices being restricted from accessing the App Store as part of prioritizing cybersecurity and complying with Cyber Essentials Plus. As @chloe_edison mentioned earlier, this request has been brought to our team’s attention, and they are trying their best to present a solution.

Additionally, it would be helpful if you could please specify which platform you are referring to.

We really appreciate your patience, and we will ensure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Regards,
George
Hexnode UEM

Hi @George

Sorry I should have said, Android seems to update all apps as they still have access to the Playstore allthough its restrcited as to what apps they can install.

it is really just iOS that we have restricted access to the app store so they have to go through the Hexnode app to download apps.

Regards

Kevin

It appears there isn’t an available payload for iOS to automate store app updates, unlike on Mac. A possible way is to add the apps as mandatory, or deploy the updtes from the Hexnode portal.

@akemi I believe thats what they are looking into sorting with a potential update at the moment, adding all apps as mandatory isnt an option for us and updating them on the hexnode portal doesnt look like it can be done in bulk at the moment.

So far we have found Hexnode very good at providing updates so I’m hoping this is something they can implement relatively soon as our other MDM supports automatic updating iOS apps.

Hi @chloe_edison Hope all is well ?

Has there been any update on this feature request?

Hello @nizzy,

I’m afraid the feature is yet to be added to the development pipeline for iOS devices. We’ll be sure to reach out as soon as we make progress in this area.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,
Chloe Edison
Hexnode UEM