iOS VPP app won’t update in Single App Kiosk modeSolved

Participant
Discussion
10 hours ago Oct 01, 2026
We have an iOS app used for employee clock-in/out that is deployed through Apple Business Manager/VPP and locked with Hexnode Single App Kiosk mode. The app needs an update, but the update does not complete while the device is locked to that app.
I noticed that enterprise apps can be updated in kiosk mode, but this is a third-party app and we do not have the IPA file or manifest URL. Is there a way to make a VPP app behave like an enterprise app, or update it silently without taking the device out of kiosk?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
2 hours ago Oct 01, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

For VPP/App Store apps on iOS devices locked in Single App Kiosk mode, silent updates may not complete while the app is actively locked to the foreground.

In Single App Kiosk mode, iOS keeps the selected app running in the foreground and restricts normal background activity. App Store/VPP app updates rely on iOS background update processes, so the update can be blocked until the device is temporarily released from kiosk mode.

The practical workaround is to temporarily exit Single App Kiosk mode, allow the VPP app update to complete, and then reapply kiosk mode. This is best done during a maintenance window to avoid disrupting users.

Regards,

Mary Romero

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