@TomJNowell I'm not sure you're understanding my question. The issue isn't whether a plugin should update or even updating a specific plugin. The issue is allowing the admin to manage which plugins should be auto-updated which also being able to set a timeframe in which to allow auto-updates.

I've just posted an answer

the filter doesn't do quite what you think it does

it's more in line with what I was talking about, rather than what you were intending

I see what you mean now. This also means though that auto-plugin updates are disabled by default. Someone mentioned in IRC pre-populating auto_update_plugins with a list of plugins to auto-update.

Thanks for your answer. That does make sense now.