What happens when PinShift opens?
The app performs one non-blocking request to the configured HTTPS update feed. Version and compatibility comparison happen locally against the returned release metadata. Like any HTTPS request, the host can receive ordinary connection data such as IP address and request headers; PinShift does not add a device ID, coordinates, favorites, activity, Apple account data, or analytics.
If a newer Semantic Version is available, the prompt names it and offers Update now or Later. Choosing Later closes the prompt for that launch; PinShift checks again on a later launch or when you request a manual check.
Check manually in Settings
- Open Settings in the installed desktop app.
- Find App updates.
- Select Check for updates.
- If a version is available, select View update and review the release notes.
- Choose Update now or Later.
When no newer version exists, Settings shows that the installed version is up to date.
What happens to PinShift Pro?
The app bundle and your installation-bound Pro credentials are stored separately. Installing a qualified update does not intentionally remove the current entitlement or macOS Keychain recovery credential. If the updated app cannot confirm Pro status, open Settings and choose Refresh license or Activate existing license. Restore Real Location remains available even when a license cannot be refreshed.
How the update is verified
The fixed HTTPS endpoint protects the update manifest in transit, and PinShift validates its expected structure. Tauri's updater does not authenticate that metadata with the embedded key. Instead, the installed app uses its updater public key to authenticate the downloaded archive bytes before installation. The progress dialog announces download progress, verifies the package, starts the installer, and restarts PinShift.
Why Update now can be disabled
The interface disables updating while device work is running. Independently, the native updater must acquire the same exclusive operation gate used by device commands before it downloads a package, and it keeps that lease through installation and restart. Restore-required and asynchronous bridge state are checked at acquisition and immediately before installation. Device work therefore cannot enter the critical section midway through an update.
- Keep the authorized iPhone connected and unlocked.
- Finish or cancel the current device operation.
- Select Stop and restore real location.
- Wait for a confirmed clear.
- Return to the update prompt or check again in Settings.
An update never turns a failed or unconfirmed clear into a success and never silently chooses to close the app.
Update troubleshooting
No update prompt appeared
Open Settings and choose Check for updates. A prompt appears only for a strictly newer published Semantic Version offered to the installed universal macOS target.
The app says it is up to date
The HTTPS update feed did not offer a newer compatible version. Compare the installed version with the public release notes. Do not install an unlisted build or substitute an architecture-specific development artifact for the qualified universal release.
The check or download failed
Confirm the Mac can reach the internet, then try the manual check again. Automatic startup failures stay unobtrusive; a manual failure shows an actionable message and collapsible redacted technical detail suitable for a support report.
Update now is unavailable
Restore the iPhone’s real location and wait for device work to finish. This is a safety boundary, not an updater error.
Move to the current update channel
Install PinShift 0.4.0 manually once to move to the new update channel. Download it only from the official download page. Qualified releases installed from that point forward can discover later versions.