Developers can now test Mac apps with TestFlight
New developer betas ship, bring translation, web apps and more
Under the radar last week Apple quietly kept a promise to developers who can now use TestFlight to distribute beta software to Mac users.
Up to 10,000 testers for an app
A short note on the Developer website declared the news, saying: “You can now invite people to try out beta versions of your Mac apps and provide valuable feedback before release.”
TestFlight lets developers invite up to 10,000 external testers to work with an application. These testers can be defined by email address or by sharing a public link. To help with UI and A/B testing, developers can also create multiple groups of internal testers and configure build access for each one, and more.
When a tester receives a link they can install the software on the Mac. TestFlight also works with iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and iMessage. When enrolled, an app tester using TestFlight will receive automatic updates, but must also install the TestFlight application first.
Testers can send feedback directly from within a tested app simply by taking a screenshot. They can also provide additional context about an app crash immediately after it occurs. All this useful information will be made available in an app’s TestFlight page in App Store Connect.
Up to 100 apps can be tested at a time, internally or externally, and multiple builds can be tested simultaneously. Builds remain active for 90 days after upload.
In other news
In related news that may be of interest to developers, Apple also announced that it will for the first time continue to accept submissions in App Store Connect through the holiday season, though reviews may take a little longer than they normally do. The company recently announced a series of Tech Talks, opened new Developer Academy places and otherwise continues to reach out to developers, following criticism of some of its structures.
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