π± App
π‘ Introduction
The LoftOS App brings your platform directly to your users' mobile devices. Unlike a generic "LoftOS" app, this is your own branded mobile application β featuring your logo, colors, and identity β available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The app provides full access to all your platform modules, ensuring users can engage with your community, content, and features wherever they are. With the app installed on their devices, users benefit from a seamless mobile experience and real-time push notifications to stay connected.
Key Features
- Your Own Branding: The app is published under your brand name with your custom icon, not as a generic LoftOS app
- Full Platform Access: All platform modules are integrated and accessible within the app
- Available on Major App Stores: Downloadable from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Automatic Content Sync: Changes to your platform's navigation, content, and settings are automatically reflected in the app
π Benefits
Increased User Engagement
Having a dedicated app installed on users' devices significantly boosts engagement:
- Always Accessible: Your platform is just one tap away on users' home screens
- Push Notifications: Users receive instant notifications for new messages, matches, and other platform activities directly on their devices
- Native Experience: The app provides a smooth, native mobile experience optimized for on-the-go usage
Push Notification Support
Push notifications keep your users informed and engaged with real-time updates:
- New messages received
- New matches from matchmaking
- Event reminders and updates
- And all other platform notifications
π οΈ Getting Started
Prerequisites
Before requesting your own app, ensure the following requirements are met:
- Fully Configured Platform: Your platform should be completely set up with your logo, brand colors, and other visual identity elements
- Subscription with App Access: Your subscription plan must include the app feature, or you can add it as a separate add-on
- Privacy Policy: Your platform must have a privacy policy page set up at
{your-platform}/privacy-policy. This is a mandatory requirement for publishing apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can configure this in your Platform Settings.
How to Request Your App
- Complete the App Request Form: Fill out the app request form at https://community.loftos.com/m/app-request/add
- Upload your app icon
- Set your app name
- Provide a description for the app stores
- Ensure your privacy policy is accessible at
{your-platform}/privacy-policy - Add any other required information
- Contact Your Customer Success Manager: Reach out to your dedicated customer success manager to initiate the app setup process
β±οΈ Timeline & Setup
Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial Implementation | Approximately 1 week |
| App Store Review (Apple/Google) | Up to 1 additional week |
| Total Time to Launch | Approximately 2 weeks |
Publishing Options
Default: Published via LoftOS Developer Accounts
By default, your app will be published through our developer accounts on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This is the simplest option and requires no additional setup on your end.
Alternative: Your Own Developer Account
If you prefer to have the app published under your own developer account, this is also possible. In this case:
- You need to invite us to your Apple Developer and/or Google Play Console account
- We require permissions to:
- Publish the app on your behalf
- Create certificates for push notifications
π Content Synchronization
One of the key advantages of the LoftOS App is automatic content synchronization. Your app is essentially a mirror of your web platform, which means:
- Navigation Changes: Any updates to your platform's navigation structure are automatically reflected in the app
- Content Updates: New pages, posts, events, and other content appear in the app without any additional action
- Settings & Configuration: Platform settings and configurations sync automatically
This ensures a consistent experience across web and mobile without requiring separate content management for the app.
β FAQs
How long does it take to get my app published?
The initial implementation takes approximately one week. After that, the app store review process (Apple and Google) can take up to an additional week. Plan for approximately two weeks total from request to launch.
Can I use my own branding?
Yes! The app is published with your own branding, including your custom app icon, name, and description. It appears as your own app in the app stores, not as a generic LoftOS app.
Do I need to update the app when I change my platform content?
No. The app automatically mirrors your platform content. Any changes you make to navigation, pages, events, or other content on your platform are automatically reflected in the app.
Are push notifications available on all devices?
Yes! Push notifications are supported on both iOS and Android devices.
Can I publish the app under my own developer account?
Yes. While we publish apps through our developer accounts by default, you can choose to have the app published under your own Apple Developer or Google Play Console account. You'll need to invite us to your account with the necessary permissions.
What happens if I update my platform's logo or colors?
Visual branding elements like logos and colors that are part of the app itself (such as the app icon) require an app update. However, branding elements displayed within the app content will update automatically as they sync from your platform.
Is the app included in my subscription?
The app feature availability depends on your subscription plan. It may be included in your plan or available as a separate add-on. Contact your customer success manager for details about your specific subscription.
What modules are available in the app?
All platform modules are integrated into the app. Users can access the same features and functionality they would find on the web platform, optimized for mobile use.
Why do I need a privacy policy page?
Both Apple and Google require a publicly accessible privacy policy for all apps published on their stores. This policy must explain what data your app collects and how it is used. On LoftOS, this page is typically located at {your-platform}/privacy-policy.