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Build Management in TestFlight

TestFlight is a powerful tool for beta testing iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS applications. One of its core functionalities is build management, which allows developers to efficiently manage different versions of their apps during the testing phase.

Uploading Builds

To start using TestFlight, developers need to upload their app builds to App Store Connect. This process involves:

  1. Creating a Build: Developers compile their app using Xcode and ensure it is signed with the appropriate provisioning profile.
  2. Uploading: The build is then uploaded to App Store Connect, where it undergoes processing. This step can take from a few minutes to an hour.
  3. Approval: The first build must be approved by TestFlight App Review before it can be distributed to testers.

Managing Multiple Builds

TestFlight supports the simultaneous testing of multiple builds. This feature is particularly useful for:

  • A/B Testing: Developers can distribute different builds to various groups of testers to compare performance and user feedback.
  • Feature Testing: Specific features can be isolated in different builds to focus testing efforts on particular aspects of the app.

Groups and Tester Management

TestFlight allows developers to create and manage groups of testers. This functionality includes:

  • Internal Testers: Up to 100 members of the development team can be designated as internal testers. These individuals typically hold roles such as Account Holder, Admin, App Manager, Developer, or Marketing.
  • External Testers: Developers can invite up to 10,000 external testers using their email addresses or by sharing a public invitation link.

Automatic Updates and Build Expiry

TestFlight ensures that testers always have access to the latest build by supporting automatic updates. Builds remain active for 90 days after upload, after which they expire. This helps in maintaining a streamlined testing process and ensures that feedback is based on the most recent version of the app.

Feedback Collection

TestFlight provides several ways to collect feedback from testers:

  • In-App Feedback: Testers can send feedback directly from the app by taking a screenshot.
  • TestFlight App: Feedback can also be submitted through the TestFlight app, which testers use to install and manage beta builds.

Integration with Xcode Cloud

TestFlight integrates seamlessly with Xcode Cloud, allowing for automated build distribution. This integration helps in organizing builds by groups and ensures that the latest versions are always available for testing.

Role Permissions

Different roles in App Store Connect have varying levels of access to TestFlight features:

  • Account Holder: Full access to all features.
  • Admin: Can manage builds and testers.
  • App Manager: Can upload builds and manage testing groups.
  • Developer: Can upload builds but cannot manage testers.
  • Marketing: Can view app analytics and manage testing groups.

Best Practices

To make the most out of TestFlight's build management features, developers should:

  • Provide Detailed Release Notes: Help testers understand what changes have been made in each build.
  • Use Descriptive Version Numbering: Track changes and identify specific builds easily.
  • Optimize App Size: Ensure the app file is within the 200MB limit for TestFlight.

By following these practices, developers can streamline their testing process and gather valuable feedback to improve their apps before releasing them on the App Store.

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Features of TestFlight

TestFlight is an integral component of Apple Inc.'s ecosystem, serving as a robust platform for developers to conduct beta testing of their mobile applications. As a tool, it facilitates the distribution of pre-release app versions to testers, who can then provide valuable feedback before the app's official release on the App Store.

Invitation and Installation Process

One of the primary features of TestFlight is its streamlined invitation and installation process. Developers can invite users to test their applications through the TestFlight app, which participants must download. Invitations can be sent to individual email addresses, allowing testers to easily access the beta version of an app. The invitation includes a description of the app, emphasizing new features and critical areas that require user feedback.

App and Game Distribution

TestFlight supports the distribution of both apps and games, facilitating comprehensive beta testing. Developers can manage their applications through the App Store Connect, where they can select specific versions of their apps or games to be tested. This process includes setting up a TestFlight tab where developers provide detailed test information, outlining specific features or aspects of the app that require testing.

Feedback and Reporting

TestFlight provides a structured environment for receiving detailed feedback from testers. Testers can report bugs or suggest improvements directly through the TestFlight app, thus enabling developers to refine their applications efficiently. This feedback loop is vital for enhancing app performance and user satisfaction prior to the public release.

Screenshots and App Information

Through TestFlight, beta versions can include screenshots and detailed app information that is accessible to testers. This feature ensures that testers have a comprehensive understanding of what the app entails and any specific changes or new features implemented in the beta version.

App Categories and Descriptions

Developers can categorize their apps and provide detailed descriptions that highlight the specific content and features being tested. These descriptions are crucial in guiding testers on what to focus on during their evaluation, ultimately leading to more targeted and beneficial feedback.

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TestFlight

TestFlight is an online service for over-the-air installation and testing of mobile applications, currently owned by Apple Inc.. It is offered exclusively to developers within the iOS Developer Program. The service allows developers to distribute applications to internal or external beta testers, who can subsequently send feedback about the application to developers.

History

TestFlight was originally developed by a company named Burstly, which also created an in-app ad management platform called SkyRocket. In 2014, Apple acquired Burstly, and subsequently, TestFlight became an Apple product. Following the acquisition, Apple discontinued support for Android applications in March 2014, focusing solely on the iOS ecosystem.

Features

Beta Testing

TestFlight allows developers to invite users to test beta versions of their apps and App Clips before they are released on the App Store. Developers can invite testers through email or a public link. When testing a beta app or App Clip, Apple collects and sends crash logs, usage information, and any feedback submitted by the tester to the developer. This information is used to improve the app and related products.

Installation and Usage

To test beta versions of apps using TestFlight, users need to accept an email or public link invitation from the developer and have a compatible device. The TestFlight app is available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and iMessage. Users can see how many days they have left for testing under the app name in TestFlight. The app notifies users each time a new build is available and includes instructions on what needs to be tested. With TestFlight 3 or later, users can turn on automatic updates to have the latest beta builds installed automatically.

Developer Tools

Developers can sign up with TestFlight to distribute applications to beta testers. The TestFlight SDK allows developers to receive remote logs, crash reports, and tester feedback. Developers can build beta tester groups directly using the App Store and Xcode integration and publicize these invitation links. Up to 100 apps can be tested at a time, internally or externally. Testers may be grouped, and separate builds can be created for each group.

Notable Examples

Several high-profile applications have utilized TestFlight for beta testing. For instance, the Corona-Warn-App, developed by the German Federal Government and the Robert Koch Institute, used TestFlight to distribute beta versions to its project team and partners. Another example is the Signal app, which offers a beta version through TestFlight for users who want to test new features before they are released to the public.

Modern Applications

TestFlight continues to be a crucial tool for developers in the Apple ecosystem. It supports the testing of apps across various Apple devices, including the Apple Vision Pro. The service has streamlined the process of beta testing, making it easier for developers to gather valuable feedback and improve their applications before official release.

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