Square KDS for iOS

[mkhellman]

I realize that Square KDS is switching over to Android in June, but we were hoping to install it on an ipad in the meantime until we can get another android device in house. Is there any way to do this?

[TheRealChipA]

Hi @mkhellman.  It looks like Square removed the KDS app from the App Store sometime after that announcement last year.  So, unless it is already installed on that iPad I don’t think you can do so any longer.  Having said that, just in case I’m wrong I’m going to tag the moderator who authored the announcement.  @tranguyen 

[tranguyen]

Thanks for the tag @TheRealChipA! While the app is still available for existing iOS KDS sellers, I can confirm that the Square KDS has been removed from the Apple Store to prevent new activations. 

As you need a KDS on iOS right now @mkhellman, I'd recommend checking out Fresh KDS. Bear in mind that there is a monthly subscription fee to use Fresh KDS, starting from $19 per screen per month.

[BBCafe1]

I'm not sure if Square realize that MOST of the users still use IOS, you guys mentioned in posts but this was not a very highlighted change, I myself only discovered about this in December. To see that I will have to work with another app out of nowhere while we were still talking about the transition to android is very dissapointing. There was no warning that the app was going to be removed this month. 

I believe communication can be better, MUCH better. 

[DeutschEssen]

I am also upset by the switch. I was forced to purchase I-pads for KDS even tough I prefer Android. To continue using square KDS I would have to purchase new equipment. Instead I will be switching to Fresh KDS. Square has lost me a s a customer for their KDS.

[mkhellman]

I appreciate your response. But I am still confused on why Square would move away from iOS for the KDS platform, when they prefer iOS for all of apps they are offering. Can you clarify this for me, or do you see Square moving away from iOS for other apps also?

[MayaP]

Hey there @mkhellman,

I understand your concerns and am sorry for any inconvenience with this change. I will be fully transparent I don't have much more insight into the reasoning for the change other than what has been provided by our team. Which is for KDS specifically, Android offers more optionality for sellers to purchase larger, more durable, and more affordable screens, and this change was directly requested by many sellers.

Given the demands of a kitchen setting, iOS devices often are more expensive to procure and replace and have limitations on the number of tickets they can show at one time. For these reasons, we’re shifting our resources to focus on Android KDS, and are committed to delivering a seamless experience for those switching over from iOS.

I know that doesn't provide much, but if you have any further questions about transitioning this over please let us know! 

[SuperJay]

Deprecation of Square KDS for iOS feels like a very inside-out move and seems like something a **bleep**ed-off CEO would make a kneejerk decision about. We have 4 iPads in our food trailer, one POS and three for KDS. Two of them are up for a refresh anyway but I had planned on buying new iPad. Our business and family is 100% iOS and Apple's greater respect for privacy is one big reason. IMO Google has almost no respect for user privacy and data and now I'm being asked to share confidential business information with them. Why not do what most app developers do and support BOTH? 

[fresh_kds1]

@SuperJay  If you want to keep running a KDS on iPads you can check out Fresh KDS. We have been a Square partner for 6+ years and are currently offering Square KDS users who migrate 2 months free. We also have a 7 day free trial so you can try it risk free. 

[Donnie-M]

@SuperJay I have used FreshKDS and was part of the beta and used Square KDS and I understand why Square is moving to android.  It has everything to do with larger format touch screens and customizability.  Fresh KDS was a great provider before square kds and I would still be using them if I wasn't a beta tester and Square Champion.

Square has chose to focus on the android version of the app and the more robust kitchen display options that DO NOT EXIST with apple.

FreshKDS is a great niche company that focuses 100% of their development with the iPad by using the API integration and have really cool features.  Each company has a different path and customer they want to serve.

As far as privacy...I would never use my personal gmail on a company android device.  It is easy to set up a dummy gmail/generic gmail to get into the play store.  Your privacy is more private using this pseudo person than it would be with apple or google.

If you want ipad...do FreshKDS...best yet just give them a free try..if not pick up a good android tablet and try that out.  I am happy with both (but freshkds has bump bar access and that is the bomb dot com).