Why Are Facebook iOS Apps’ Iterative Updates So Large?

The question of why Facebook’s iOS app updates can be so large is a frequently raised one among users. Many wonder if this is a common issue for all iOS apps or if it's something unique to Facebook. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind these large updates and the implications for app development and user experience.

The Truth About iOS App Updates

Firstly, it is important to understand that iOS app updates are, in a vast majority of cases, not iterative. Whenever you update an app on your iOS device, the update process typically involves downloading the entire app file again. This might seem counterintuitive, given that the app's core code and functionality do not change drastically in every iteration. However, this is a standard practice in the iOS app ecosystem.

“iOS app updates are not iterative. You basically download the full app once again. Doesnt have anything to do with Facebook. All the iOS apps are typically the size of the app. If app is big, update will be big as all you are doing is basically downloading the app all over again.”

Apple’s Role in App Updates

Apple plays a significant role in the process of updating iOS apps. When an app developer uploads a new version of their app to the App Store, Apple reviews the package before it is made available to users. This process involves checking for any bugs, security issues, and ensuring that the new version meets Apple’s guidelines.

Once the update is verified, it is pushed to the App Store, and users can download it through the usual update process. Apple does not provide any additional optimization layers that make iterative updates possible outside of major releases. Therefore, the update size reflects the size of the entire app, including all the changes that have been made since the last update.

This practice ensures that users can trust that the app they are downloading is the most recent and up-to-date version, free from any known issues. Unfortunately, this process can lead to larger updates, especially if the app has undergone substantial changes or if the update includes new features that significantly impact the app size.

Facebook’s Update Strategy

Facebook, in particular, has faced criticism for the size of its app updates. Many users are disappointed with the lack of detailed information about what has changed in each update. The company’s common approach is to provide minimal information, often just stating that the "app has been updated." This can lead to frustration for users who expect to see more information about the changes, especially if the update is significant.

While other iOS apps generally follow a similar update process, Facebook’s updates often seem more substantial and require a larger download. This is likely due to the company’s strategy of adding new features and improving existing ones to enhance user experience.

Apart from the update size, the App Store approval process can also contribute to the larger update size. Apple requires that new versions of apps must be fully functional and stable. This means that any significant changes must be thoroughly tested and validated, which can result in larger updates.

End User Experience and iOS8 Over-the-Air Updates

Users are often advised to update to iOS8 (or later) over the air without deleting their photos or videos. This is because the update process allows users to keep their data while installing the new system. This is a particularly useful feature for users with large photo and video libraries who want to avoid the hassle of backing up and restoring their data each time they update their system.

“Update to iOS8 Over the Air without deleting Photos/Videos”

Apple’s over-the-air update process is designed to be seamless and minimize downtime. By downloading the update in the background, users can continue using their device as usual while the update downloads and installs in the background.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size of Facebook’s iOS app updates is not unique to the app itself but rather a result of the standard iOS update process. Users can expect larger updates when significant changes or major features are added. While this can be frustrating, it ensures the integrity and stability of the app. Apple’s policies and the required update process contribute to this, ensuring that users can trust the most recent version of an app.

For users who are concerned about the size of updates, sticking to major version updates and keeping their system and app versions up to date can help minimize the impact. Additionally, Apple’s over-the-air update process provides a convenient and reliable way to keep both the system and apps up to date without losing any data.