Is it possible to update the mobile application with a replacement?

Question

Google Play

Hello. Now there are different options for creating mobile applications. I'm interested in this, let's say the apk of the application was created through some developers (android studio / flutter), uploaded to google play and installed on users' phones. After some time, they found another option from other developers. The app is also in android studio/flutter environment.

Is it possible to replace the new apk with the current one and so that the users do not lose the old one, but just have an update? Or a unique ID is created for the application, which can only be updated, but cannot be replaced with a new one. And it will be as a separate application.

Tell me pliz developers and those who have implemented this in their practice.

Answer 1

In order to do this, applications must have:
- the same bundleID. But then in PlayMarket it will be one application.
- both applications must be signed with the same key
- well, little things like version above
If these conditions are met, you can upgrade.