{
  "id": 10876600,
  "title": "Expo OTA Updates Are a Loaded Gun. Here's the Safety.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/expo-ota-updates-are-a-loaded-gun-heres-the-safety",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-30T06:32:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/mason_roy/expo-ota-updates-are-a-loaded-gun-heres-the-safety-1c1k"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Expo OTA updates can be problematic if not handled correctly. The runtimeVersion is crucial as it determines whether an update is delivered or not. If the runtime version mismatch occurs, the app will crash, and there's no way to fix it with a subsequent update. To avoid this, use the fingerprint policy instead of appVersion. This policy hashes the native project and ensures that only compatible updates are delivered. If any native changes are made, such as adding a package with ios/ or android/ directories, config plugins, updating Expo SDK version, or enabling/disabling new architecture, a store build should be shipped instead of an OTA update.\n\nWhen publishing OTA updates, use the right channel. Channels are used to point builds at a stream of updates, while branches are where updates live. Treat the branch name as a unique identifier, not a free-form string. It's recommended to publish updates to a preview channel first and then to the production channel after confirmation. The default Expo update behavior means users are always one launch behind, so prompt the user to reload the app after an update to ensure they have the latest version.",
  "summary": "TL;DR runtimeVersion is the only thing standing between an OTA update and a crash loop. Use the fingerprint policy, not appVersion . An OTA update can't change native code. If you touched ios/ , android/ , a config plugin, or a package with native code, ship a store build. No exceptions. Default checkOnLaunch + fallbackToCacheTimeout: 0 means users get the update next launch, not this one. Decide…",
  "key_points": [
    "Runtime version mismatch can cause app crashes during OTA updates",
    "Fingerprint policy ensures compatibility of OTA updates",
    "Use preview channel for testing OTA updates before production"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Using fingerprint policy and publishing OTA updates through designated channels can help mitigate risks associated with Expo OTA updates and ensure a smoother experience for users.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}