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Primo deploys software from four sources. Pick the one that matches where the app comes from:

Fleet managed software

Deploy popular apps from a curated, pre-packaged catalog maintained by Fleet — no installer management required.

App Store apps

Deploy App Store apps to macOS and iOS/iPadOS devices through Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP).

Custom software

Deploy your own installer packages — internal tools, enterprise builds, or any app not in the Fleet catalog.

Google Play Store apps

Deploy managed apps to Android devices through Android Enterprise and the Google Play Store.
As a rule of thumb:
  • Fleet managed software first, for widely used apps such as Slack, Zoom, or Chrome. Fleet packages them and keeps the installer up to date.
  • App Store apps for apps published on the Apple App Store, or for any app on iPhone and iPad. Licences come from Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP).
  • Custom software for internal tools, enterprise builds, and anything not in the Fleet catalog. You upload the installer and update it yourself.
  • Google Play Store apps for Android. Apps come from managed Google Play and install in the work profile.
Each type supports a different set of capabilities:
  • Auto install installs the app on every targeted device without employee action.
  • Self-service lists the app in the Self-Service portal so employees install it on demand.
  • Zero Touch installs the app during zero-touch deployment, before the employee first uses the device.
  • Keep installer updated replaces the stored installer when a new version is released.
  • Auto patch updates the app on devices where it is already installed.

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Compare by platform

¹ Apple App Store auto-install (iOS / iPadOS / macOS) is managed by Primo (not natively by Fleet). After enabling, install requests are pushed on the next device sync cycle.² Windows .exe / .ps1 and Linux .deb / .rpm / .sh / .tar.gz require a custom detection osquery. Primo pre-fills a best-effort query from the software name; the admin must verify and edit it before saving. See How to find the right program name.³ Self-service on iOS / iPadOS is reached from the portal’s web URL, not from a desktop app. Add it to the Home Screen with the Web Clips control and its Add the Self-Service web clip option. See App Store apps.⁴ Android updates come from Google Play. Apps are always installed in their latest version, and installed apps update according to Google Play’s auto-update settings. Primo doesn’t configure or enforce these updates.⁵ Android apps don’t appear in the Primo Self-Service portal. Employees install them from the managed Google Play store on their device.
Devices enrolled with user enrollment and a Managed Apple Account (BYOD) are not covered by the software installation journey, self-service included.

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Track what is installed

Once an app targets devices, follow its rollout from the Software tab of the device drawer, the count columns of the software table, or the Devices tab of the software page. See Software installation status.