How can I verify that my application has actually been updated to the latest version

For Marketplace apps (for example, Business Central apps), the visible version number in the Store/offer can differ from the actual package version that tenants receive, so checking only the Marketplace listing isn’t sufficient.

To verify that the latest version is actually active and available:

1. Confirm the app version you submitted
   • Ensure the version number was incremented in the app’s json/manifest file before submission.
   • Ensure the AppID was not changed between versions.
   • In Partner Center, the version field for the offer should match the version in the uploaded app file.
2. Confirm validation and activation
   • After submission, the updated app goes through validation.
   • Once it passes, it is checked into the service and becomes the active version for the current Business Central production release, even if the Marketplace page still shows the older version number.
3. Verify from a tenant environment
   • In a Business Central environment on the current release, go to the Manage Apps page in the Business Central administration center.
   • Check the installed app’s version there; it should show the new version that was submitted.
   • If needed, uninstall and reinstall the app on that environment; the reinstalled app will be the latest active version.
4. Understand version vs. compatibility
   • The updated app is validated and configured against the current Business Central version at submission time.
   • Tenants on earlier Business Central versions will continue to receive the older compatible app version, not the latest one.

Regarding running the application without paying via Microsoft Store:

• For Business Central Marketplace apps, tenants do not “pay to download” each update from the Store. Once the app is published and active:
  • Internal/delegated admins can install or update it from the Manage Apps page.
  • App updates can be applied automatically based on the configured app update cadence (for major or major+minor updates), or manually from the administration center.
• There is no separate Store purchase required per update; tenants with access to the app can install and run the latest version that is configured for their Business Central version.

References:

• FAQ about Updating your Business Central App
• Update lifecycle for Marketplace apps FAQ