Force VPP app updates on iPads during Apple phased rolloutSolved

Participant
Discussion
11 hours ago Oct 15, 2026

We manage several iPads with a required VPP app deployed through Apple Business Manager and synced into Hexnode. The app is included in our iOS policy, but every couple of months some iPads do not update right away when the App Store version changes.

In Hexnode, the app catalog shows the latest version as available, but the device-level Applications tab and application reports still show a few iPads on the older version. Running Scan for Apps, Scan Device, and Check for updates from the app page did not immediately move those devices to the new version. Some devices updated, while others stayed behind.

The app vendor expects every iPad to be on the newest version immediately, so waiting several days for Apple’s rollout is a problem. Is there a way to force the VPP app update from Hexnode?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
3 hours ago Oct 15, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Thankyou for raising this question.

Apple’s phased release mechanism can affect managed VPP app updates on iPads. Hexnode can fetch the latest app details from Apple and send update commands to devices, but Apple controls when the update binary is made available to each device during an automatic phased rollout.

This can lead to a situation where:

  • The app page in Hexnode shows the latest version.
  • Some iPads have already updated.
  • Other iPads still report the older installed version.
  • Scan for Apps or Scan Device updates the inventory, but does not necessarily force the new binary to install.

To bypass the automatic phased rollout delay, push the app as a fresh installation command:

  1. Go to Manage > Devices.
  2. Select the affected iPads that are still on the older app version.
  3. Click Actions > Install Application.
  4. Select the required VPP app.
  5. Execute the action.

This sends a direct install command for the VPP app to the selected devices and can be used to force the latest available version instead of waiting for the normal background update cycle.

Regards,
Mary Romero

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