Release Android app updates with staged rollouts

When you release an app update to production using a staged rollout, your update reaches only a percentage of users, which you can increase over time.

Some important points to note:

• Staged rollout is only applicable to Public release app updates ; it is not applicable to the first Public release of a new app. If you want to progressively rollout your first release, you should publish it as an "Open Beta" to allow "early access" to your new app.
• Both new and existing users are eligible to receive updates from staged rollouts and are chosen at random by Google
• Not all new users will see the new version once the staged rollout starts. New users who install the app (versus existing users who update their current version) are also affected by the % of the staged rollout.
• Users won't be notified if they receive a version of your app in a staged rollout.

For example: If the staged rollout was set to 1%.

• 1% of existing users will be able to update their app (automatically or manually).
• 1% of new users will be able to see the new version on the store (like 1 chance out of 100).
• 99% of existing and new users will not see the new version.

In OMA Portal, you must say whether you want to deploy a new Public release with staged rollout before clicking on "Go for submission". Once the release has been validated by Google Play, it is not possible anymore to modify the rollout option (staged or to all users).

NOTE: to request an increase in the staged rollout percentage, you have to create a support request in OMA Portal and select 'Edit staged rollout'.

TIPS:

• If your app update requires changes to the store listing, it is recommended to update your store listing after your release rolls out to 100% of users.
  To update your store listing after full rollout, please create a 'Update Store Info' request in OMA Portal.
• During a staged rollout, it's a good idea to closely monitor crash reports and user feedback. Users receiving the staged rollout release can leave public reviews on Google Play.

More info

See details in the Google Play console help center https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/6346149