TestFlight

Streamline Beta Testing for Your Apple Ecosystem Apps and App Clips.

Free

Description

TestFlight serves as a crucial platform for developers looking to refine their applications before launching on the App Store. It allows them to invite users to test beta versions of their apps and App Clips across a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Watch. This process helps developers gather valuable feedback, identify bugs, and improve the overall user experience of their software.

The system operates through an invitation model, where developers can send email or public link invitations to prospective testers. Once an invitation is accepted, testers can download beta builds, which are available for up to 90 days. TestFlight also provides mechanisms for submitting detailed feedback, including screenshots and crash reports, directly to the developer, and supports automatic updates for the latest beta builds to ensure testers always have the most current version for evaluation.

Key Features

Multi-Platform Support: Test beta apps on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Watch, and iMessage.
Flexible Invitation System: Developers invite testers via email or public link invitations.
Timed Build Availability: Each beta build is available for testing for up to 90 days.
Automatic Updates: Option for testers to automatically install the latest beta builds (TestFlight 3 or later).
Comprehensive Feedback Submission: Testers can send feedback, include screenshots, and report crashes directly.
App Clip Testing: Supports testing of beta App Clips alongside full apps.
Previous Build Access: Testers can access and install previous builds if made available by the developer.
Privacy-Conscious Testing: Public link invitations do not require testers to share email with developers initially.

Use Cases

Distributing pre-release iOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS apps to testers.
Collecting user feedback and bug reports for beta software.
Testing new features and app updates before official launch.
Managing internal and external beta testing groups.
Validating the functionality of App Clips.
Ensuring app compatibility across various Apple devices and OS versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a beta build available for testing in TestFlight?

Each build is available to test for up to 90 days, starting from the day the developer uploads their build.

Can I install a beta app on multiple devices using TestFlight?

Yes, you can install the beta app on up to 30 devices.

Are in-app purchases made during beta testing charged?

No, in-app purchases are free only during beta testing, and any in-app purchases made during testing will not carry over to App Store versions.

What happens when the beta testing period for an app ends?

When the testing period is over, you'll no longer be able to open the beta build.

How can I provide feedback for a beta app in TestFlight?

You can send feedback through the TestFlight app, directly from the beta app or beta App Clip by taking a screenshot, or report a crash after it occurs. For tvOS apps, feedback is typically sent via email to the developer.