Apple has redesigned its beta testing app TestFlight, ten years after purchasing the testing platform, giving app developers and testers some new controls and feedback options. Updated with version number 3.6.0 Distributed through App StoreUsing TestFlight, developers can provide new versions of their apps to testers on Apple’s various platforms and vice versa, receiving feedback through the app with crash reports and suggestions for improvements.
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While the app format was earlier very simple and functional, Apple has now brought it closer to the App Store. For example, in addition to release notes, developers can also provide testers with a description of their app and category in the App Store or include screenshots in a TestFlight entry. However, these screenshots, which are entered through the App Store Connect developer portal, must be from a previous, Apple-approved version of your app – so you can’t include screenshots of future features or redesigns.
Limit testing to devices and versions
On the developer side, it is now also possible to limit the scope of testers to specific devices and operating system versions. In App Store Connect you can choose from a list of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, although multiple entries are also possible. The new filters are especially useful for developers who publish public links to their beta tests and want to focus on user groups with specific devices or operating systems.
Amazfit Up Open headphones, now on saleAdditionally, those who are directly invited to participate through TestFlight now receive a return channel. You can use this to let developers know why they decided not to join the beta.
Owned by Apple since 2014
TestFlight was purchased by Apple in 2014, along with developer company Burstly, and has since been part of Apple’s developer tools. Previously, the online platform, which launched in December 2010, also supported Android apps – but this was quickly changed after Apple purchased the company. The distribution and management platform for app tests was already very popular at that time. Apple previously required developers to hand-enter test devices’ unique device identifiers into Apple’s developer portal. Furthermore, each test tool requires its own provisioning profile.
(MKI)
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