The update that crashed on launch
You pushed an over-the-air update to add a camera feature, skipping the app store. Within an hour, reviews say the app closes the moment it opens.
This answers: Why does my Expo update crash the app? No coding needed. 3 quick decisions.
- Keeping it running
- Supervising your AI
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Why does my Expo update crash the app?
Over-the-air updates replace only your app's JavaScript. If the update uses a package with native code, like a camera, installed apps don't have that code and crash on launch. Roll the update back, ship the feature in a new store build, and let Expo set runtimeVersion from a fingerprint so mismatched updates aren't delivered.
Breaks at Phone app: Update needs native code the app lacks
Why AI tools write this bug
AI tools install packages and push an update in one flow, without checking whether the package needs a new native build.
How to fix it
- Roll the update back immediately.
3 more steps, and a prompt that checks your own app for this bug. Part of Pro.
UnlockCommon questions
- What can an over-the-air update change safely?
- JavaScript, styles and images. Anything that adds or changes native code, permissions or app configuration needs a new store build.