Abstract: During an update technique, an update to a software application is received from a provider of a software application. Then, update information is either received from the provider or is generated. This update information, which is other than an application identifier and a version number associated with the update, specifies an update relationship between the update and at least a previous version of the software application. Subsequently, configuration information (such as whether the previous version of the software application is currently installed on a portable electronic device) is received from the portable electronic device. In response to the received configuration information, the update is provided to the portable electronic device along with update information. Using the update information, an application management system or the operating system installed on the portable electronic device determines whether an update workflow is executed.