How to Push OTA Updates to Custom AOSP and Non-GMS Android Devices

Android Enterprise and the Android Management API (AMAPI) rely on Google Mobile Services (GMS) for delivering firmware updates, which poses a challenge for custom AOSP and non-GMS devices that cannot utilize this managed-update path. This limitation affects various specialized hardware, such as kiosks and industrial devices, which often require custom AOSP builds for greater OS control. Esper's Airwave addresses this gap by enabling over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates without needing GMS, providing a delivery layer that manages device registration, package signing, approval gating, and targeted distribution to device groups. Airwave operates independently of Google services, making it capable of delivering signed OTA packages to any AOSP build with network connectivity, while adhering to cryptographic signing principles. However, it does not facilitate cross-major Android version upgrades unless a valid upgrade image is provided. This distinction highlights the separation between building and delivering updates, which is crucial for avoiding device issues like boot loops and bricked partitions. Airwave thus provides a vital solution for managing firmware deployment in non-GMS environments, distinguishing itself from traditional mobile device management systems that are bound by GMS dependencies.

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