Update app from WP7 to WP8

Question

I have a problem,

I have WP7 an app in store, which is already installed on Windows Phone 7 and 8 devices. Now I want to add WP8 app version. So in dashboard I click "add new", and selecting new .xap file which is dedicated to WP8. Finally I have two .xap files dedicated to WP7 and WP8.

But my question is: What will happen with the user who has Windows Phone 8 device and some time ago already installed application with WP7 version ?

a) is his app (which is currently WP7)will be automatically updated to WP8

b) nothing will be happen

c) something else (and what)

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Users on a Windows phone 8 OS handset will get an app upgrade request if their phone is configured for manual app upgrades. Should they accept, the app will be upgraded to the WP8 XAP version you have uploaded. Obviously, users who have opted for the automatic app updates will also be upgraded to the WP8 XAP version.

Any users on WP7 handsets will stay on the WP7 XAP version.

see the examples illustrated on the MSDN

Answer 2

The problem is you can always run WP7 application in WP8 devices where as you'll not be able to do the other way around. So you've got two options:

• To have two different apps for WP7 & WP8
• To update your WP7 app to WP8 (which is ideally a single app)

I would suggest the last one, as most of the users have already moved into WP8 it's better if you can target that range of customers.

Answering to your question it'll not automatically update your WP7 application to WP8. So the answer would be nothing would happen, but the user will not be able to use the app as it's not compatible till you release the updated version.