Do preinstalled apps get automatically updated?

[davidh44]

I notice that on first startup (of Stock Rom + Xionia Kernel beta 2), my Optimus V will download Google Maps and Youtube from the market. And I get a listing of those apps and whether they need to be updated (along with auto-update option) inside the Market app.

Is there the same update functionality in the pre-installed apps, like Navigation, Gmail, Swype, etc.? If so, where do I go to see whether an update is available and/or set auto-update?

 

[scoutconnor]

Gmal and the other GApps will update just like regular apps (via the market). I do not believe Swype will update properly as it isn't on the Android market.
(GApps=Google Apps include Gmail, YouTube, Navigation, Maps, Market, and Search)

 

[LeslieAnn]

They do, but there is a catch. The updates cannot replace what is on the phone, the old version stays, and it will only add a new version. So a 5meg file that gets a new 6 meg version, will occupy 11megs of space total as opposed to only 6.

 

[denshigomi]

They do, but there is a catch. The updates cannot replace what is on the phone, the old version stays, and it will only add a new version. So a 5meg file that gets a new 6 meg version, will occupy 11megs of space total as opposed to only 6.

This is true, but the original file is on the /system partition, and the update is on the /data partition. Because non-stock apps and data are not stored on the /system partition, the extra space taken up by the original stock app is irrelevant.
That is, unless the user either:
a) pushes files to the /system partition to fill up the free space
or
b) repartitions /system and /data to move the free space from /system to /data

 

[RavenSEAL]

Get a custom ROM, those things murder internal memory, no kidding.

 

[Jude526]

when I receive an update on my Incredible there is a notification letting me know. The pre installed apps same thing. but for gmail have never gotten one. I have on My Verizon and on google maps

 

[Hugh Johnson]

They do, but there is a catch. The updates cannot replace what is on the phone, the old version stays, and it will only add a new version. So a 5meg file that gets a new 6 meg version, will occupy 11megs of space total as opposed to only 6.

I'm sure you already knew () but Titanium Backup can update system apps. See FAQ 23.

 

[LeslieAnn]

I'm sure you already knew () but Titanium Backup can update system apps. See FAQ 23.

It requires root and has to be done by Titanium. Also, I wouldn't count on it doing everything, if I remember right, Swype is not backed up properly.

 

[denshigomi]

I'm sure you already knew () but Titanium Backup can update system apps. See FAQ 23.

Thanks for the tip!
Much more convenient than firing up adb to free up /data.

 

[denshigomi]

...
Also, I wouldn't count on it doing everything, if I remember right, Swype is not backed up properly.

You are correct. Titanium Backup does not backup .apk files in the /system partition. (Listed in FAQ question #1 posted by Hugh Johnson)

 

[davidh44]

Gmal and the other GApps will update just like regular apps (via the market). I do not believe Swype will update properly as it isn't on the Android market.
(GApps=Google Apps include Gmail, YouTube, Navigation, Maps, Market, and Search)

The preinstalled apps aren't in the list of apps inside the Market (the listing which shows you what's installed and what has an update available), but if there is an update available, Market will still prompt you there's an update?