TestFlight
Published Updated
What is TestFlight?
TestFlight is Apple’s platform for distributing beta builds of iOS apps to internal team members and external testers before an App Store release.
Apple's official platform for distributing beta versions of iOS apps to internal team members and external testers before they are published to the public App Store.
TestFlight allows developers to invite users via email or public link to install an unreleased iOS app on their physical devices. It provides a secure feedback loop, allowing testers to submit crash reports and screenshots directly back to the development team through the native TestFlight app.
How it relates to Orbit
Orbit shows recent TestFlight build state in the project’s Mobile Builds tab. See Project Window for details.
When you would use it
You use TestFlight when you have a working iOS application that needs real-world testing on physical iPhones before submitting it for final App Store review.
Common operations
- Releasing a staging build to QA engineers.
- Conducting a public beta test with early adopters.
Frequently asked questions
Do TestFlight builds need Apple review?
Builds for internal testers do not; the first build sent to external testers goes through a short Beta App Review.
Can Orbit ship a build to TestFlight?
From the Mobile Builds tab, a ready Mac on your account can build and ship a release toward App Store Connect, and the tab shows TestFlight build state. See Project Window.