Here at Jurat we are constantly updating the app with new features, optimizing speed & performance, and patching bugs to ensure our users have a great experience using the Notary eJournal. We typically release multiple app updates per month, so making sure that our users are easily able to update to the latest version is a priority. Before we break down the steps to take to ensure you are running on the latest version of the app, let’s take a look at behind the scenes at how this process is handled by Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
App Submission Process
Once our development team has finalized the latest app update, they push it to something called TestFlight, Apple’s live developer testing service that puts the app update in the hands of our quality assurance testers while not affecting the current version available to the public. Google Play Console has this same functionality so that the app update can be tested on both iOS and Android devices. Once the new version of the app gets the green light from our quality assurance testers, it gets submitted for final review to both iOS and Android marketplaces.
How long does it take for Apple & Google to review and approve an app update?
Unfortunately, the length of time it takes for a review can vary wildly between both ecosystems, and we have typically found that one will inevitably be approved (and thus, released) before the other (although the difference is normally no longer than 24-36 hours).
Apple’s developer website says this about it’s review time
"On average, 90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours. You’ll be notified by email of status changes."
Google can be known for taking longer to review app submissions, and says this about it’s review process
"Updates to existing apps are processed and published as soon as possible. By default, your app will use standard publishing. Certain apps may be subject to extended reviews, which may result in review times of up to 7 days or longer in exceptional cases"
Overall we have found the entire process, from submitting to both iOS and Android marketplaces all the way until they are both released to our users to be between 2-4 days.
How does Jurat alert it’s users about an app update?
Once the app updates have been released, we typically create a few pieces of multimedia (videos, blog articles, etc) to go along with the notifications, and then send our users an email through our CRM software (Mailchimp) alerting them to the latest update. We also post about it on our LinkedIn page
How do I know which version of The Notary eJournal i’m currently using?
Log in to the app
Open the side bar menu
You will see the current app version in small text at the bottom
Updating to the latest version of The Notary eJournal on iOS
Head over to the App Store
Search for our app, using keywords such as “Jurat” or “Notary eJournal”
Once you click on our app, you’ll see a blue button towards the top that will either say “Open” or “Update”.
If it says “Open”, then you are already running the latest version of the Notary eJournal
If it says “Update”, then click the update button and update to the latest version
You can also compare the version history seen on the homepage of the app in the App Store with the version you currently have installed on your phone. For more on that, read the section labeled “How do I check which version of the Notary eJournal i’m on?”
Updating to the latest version of The Notary eJournal on Android
Open the Google Play Store app
At the top right, tap the profile icon
Tap “manage apps & devices”. Apps with an update available are labeled “Update available”
Tap “Update”
One of the easiest ways to ensure you are always running on the latest version of The Notary eJournal is to enable the auto-update functionality in your device. The steps to take to turn on auto-update vary across the different platforms and devices, but can usually be managed through the settings menu of your device, for example on an iOS device simply open the settings menu, click “App Store” and enable auto-update