How to distribute iOS apps to testers ...

TestFlight Beta Testing

App distribution

● XCode Use the Mac of the developer

● AdHoc distribution Use a service (e.g. TestFlightApp.com)

● TestFlight Beta TestingUse iTunes Connect (ITC)

TestFlightApp.com

TestFlightApp.com

● Free service

● Upload api

● Allows to manage devices and users

● See current installation from user

● Limited to 100 devices per build

TestFlight Beta Testing

TestFlight Beta Testing

● “Free service”

● CLI commands shipped with developer tools (XCode)

● Difference between beta test modes (External / Internal)

● Can handle up to 1000 users

● Integrated in iOS (8.x) and XCode CI (Bots)

Other services - HockeyApp

● Owner: Microsoft

● Premium service (30$/month 15apps, 3admins)

● Upload api

● Same pros and cons as TestFlightApp.com

● Integrated crash logging

Pros and Cons

TestFlightApp.comHockeyApp TestFlight Beta Testing

Pros

iOS 7.x supportMultiplattform supportSimple upload apiNo beta app reviews

User management (external)Allow 1000 beta app users (external)Easy certificate handlingIntegrated into iOS 8.x

Cons

Certificate problemsDouble user managementNo crash detectionTesting limited to 100 devices

Beta app review (~1-2d)Tricky upload apiUser management (internal)Only iOS 8.x support

AdHoc Provisioning Profiles in Depth

Tutorial TestFlight Beta Testing

Tutorial (Developers perspective)

● IDE: XCode 6.x

● Several builds can be uploaded to ITC (unique build number)

● For every bundleId there must be an app in ITC (Test / Staging builds)

● Sign the application with the distribution certificate and the new AdHoc provisioning profile

● Use ITC for device/user management○ Internal testers must have admin or technical role○ Use the iTunes email for external users

● Enable “Betatests with TestFlight” on ITC prereleases tab

● Read the documentation and you’re good to go

Tutorial (Developers perspective)

Internal testers:1. User must be admin or technical2. Enable “Internal Tester” in your personal settings in ITC3. Download the TestFlight app from the App Store4. Wait for the invitation email5. Click on “Open in TestFlight” in the email 6. You’re done

External testers:1. Add email to external testers page in ITC2. Download the TestFlight app from the App Store3. Wait 24h for build to go finish beta review4. Wait for the invitation email5. Click on “Open in TestFlight” in the email 6. You’re done

Troubleshooting

• The invitation email doesn’t add the app into the TestFlight app.Open the email with the original mail app. Other mail apps lead to problems with the connection in the TestFlight app

• Build is not available.This is a problem of ITC. Just turn the “Betatest with TestFlight” setting off and on again.