Introduction
Docebo’s Branded mobile app publisher functionality is a useful product that allows you to create a branded version of the Go.Learn mobile app and publish it on the mobile app stores for Google and Apple.
The branding functionality allows you to customize your app’s name and images, and the parameters used for the Google Single Sign-On, if you want to enable it. You will also choose which platform users access from the app. Additionally, you can autonomously manage your activity in the app stores (Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS), customizing the look and feel of your app’s presentation page in the app stores according to your company’s design guidelines.
Before you decide to purchase the Branded mobile app publisher functionality, we want to ensure that you have all of the info you need to best use this feature. This document provides useful information on the key aspects of this functionality.
Distributing the branded app
When you purchase the Branded mobile app publisher functionality, Docebo provides you with the app packages for both iOS and Android, but it will be your responsibility to take care of the distribution of the app.
Most of the time, this means that you will have to manage the publication of the app on the official Apple and Google app stores, or you will have to distribute the app internally within your organization using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system.
Docebo can help you with some advice and best practices, but bear in mind that it is your responsibility to take care of your branded app’s distribution and therefore Docebo will not be able to provide direct support.
Re-signing the branded app
Preparing an app package for publication on the app stores or via your MDM system means that in order to publish your branded app you will need to apply your own digital signature to the packages so that you ensure authenticity and your right to publish it. Docebo provides all the necessary documentation and support, but you need a member of your company’s IT department to complete the process. The skills of a mobile developer are not required, but some familiarity with the system terminal and with digital certificates is at least required.
Publishing the branded app
If you want to publish your branded app on the Apple or Google app stores, you must have a valid developer account on the relevant platforms: iOS (opens in a new tab) or Android (opens in a new tab). Please note that you may need to pay additional fees to Apple or Google for this service.
Docebo suggests contacting a member of your company’s IT department and checking if you already have a developer account or if you need to create a new one.
Publishing your app on the Apple App Store
The iOS App Store launched in 2008 with 500 apps. Today, 1.96 million apps are available for users to download. Apple is trying to limit the publication of new apps — especially the free ones — as it wants to keep the value of the store high, avoiding redundant or niche apps.
This is the reason why Apple’s app review process is becoming more and more complex and time-consuming. It is very common that after submitting apps for publication within the App Store, they are rejected for various reasons. As a consequence, it's good to know that great patience is needed, as it might be necessary to invest a lot of time making it clear to the technician who reviews your branded app that it contains a real value for users, it deserves to be present in the App Store and it adheres to the requirements of the App Store Review Guidelines (opens in a new tab) and of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement (opens in a new tab).
While the publication of an app for the Android OS is generally completed in a few hours, it could take up to a month to publish an iOS app. So it's a good idea to start the process early!
Updating the branded app
Owning your branded mobile app means taking responsibility for keeping the app up to date. Each month, Docebo releases one update for the branded app. You are not forced to publish every single update we release, but keeping your app up to date is a good rule to follow. Please note that Docebo offers support only if you have the latest version of the mobile app installed on your device.
In general, it is suggested that you update your app (generating a new build and then distributing the app) at least once a quarter.
Remember that in order to be able to enjoy a new feature or a bug fix, after the new version of the app is released you need to generate a new app build (which is a very simple and quick procedure, it’s just one click on the Branded mobile app publisher page) and then you'll have to distribute the updated version in the app stores or via your MDM system.
Using e-commerce in the branded app
If you have activated and configured the e-commerce app for your platform and you want to publish your branded app on the Android Google Play Store, e-commerce is allowed and you can purchase courses or learning plans via the desktop platform and then enjoy the purchased content from your branded mobile app.
However, if you want to publish your branded app on the Apple App Store, please note that according to the App Store Review Guidelines (opens in a new tab), e-commerce isn’t compatible with your branded mobile app. As a consequence, it is very likely that Apple will try to force you to implement the support for in-app purchases so that your users can purchase courses and learning plans directly from the app and pay for them using Apple's supported methods. This would result in a fee of up to 30% of the price of the purchased content.
Aside from these considerations, please remember that Docebo’s app (both Go.Learn and the branded mobile app) doesn't support in-app purchases. As a consequence, if you want to publish your branded app on the Apple App Store and you want to allow your users to access content — also not for sale — directly from the app, be prepared with very good arguments to justify the lack of in-app purchases. To be honest, it's very unlikely that Apple accepts an app that allows users to access paid content that they haven't purchased within the app, and unfortunately there’s nothing else that Docebo can do to help you on this.
Branded app for internal use
If you want to publish your app on the iOS App Store, keep in mind that applications intended solely for internal use within a company are not welcome in the Apple app store. In this case, you will need to publish your private app using your Mobile Device Management system or a subscription that is enterprise-grade or similar to Apple's services (opens in a new tab).