Can my app provide an "Update in App Store" link?

Question

For various reasons I need my iPhone app to include a way to tell the user that a new update for the app is available and prompt them to go update in the App Store.

It looks like there used to be an undocumented way to give an HTML link that would lead the iPhone to open the Upgrade page for app, or something?

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2628665/how-can-i-make-a-link-to-update-my-iphone-application

https://devforums.apple.com/message/139548#139548

Unfortunately it appears that iTunes links have changed format from these old "Phobos"-type links (which used "WebObjects") to something new? I'm not very familiar with the old system or the new one...

Can I create a link that will take my users directly to the "upgrade apps" screen on the App Store? Or even better, one that will initiate the upgrade for my app immediately?

Answer 1

Apple provides an iTunes Link Maker tool which you can use: http://itunes.apple.com/linkmaker

Just put the "Media Type" as apps and type in the app name. Apple recommends using an NSURLConnection for opening the link within your app since it will cut out all of the re-directing that goes on and open straight into the AppStore app.