TestFlight: Apple revises its beta test app
App developers use TestFlight to test updates and new apps. Apple has now given it a redesign and new functions.
The appearance of the TestFlight app has been significantly revised by Apple
(Image: Screenshots: heise online)
Apple has redesigned its beta test app TestFlight ten years after purchasing the test platform and is giving developers and app testers some new options for control and feedback. The update with the version number 3.6.0 is distributed via the App Store. Developers can use TestFlight to make new versions of their apps available to testers on Apple's various platforms in advance and, conversely, also receive feedback with crash reports and suggestions for improvement via the app.
While the appearance of the app was previously kept basic and functional, Apple has now brought it closer to that of the App Store. For example, in addition to the release notes, developers can also send testers a description of their app and the category in the App Store or add screenshots to the TestFlight entry. However, these screenshots, which are entered via the developer portal App Store Connect, must be from an earlier version of their app approved by Apple –, so no screenshots with future functions or new designs can be added.
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Limit tests to devices and versions
On the developer side, it is now also possible to limit the group of testers to specific devices and operating system versions. In App Store Connect, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV can be selected from a list, whereby multiple entries are also possible. The new filters are particularly useful for developers who publish public links for their beta tests and want to focus on user groups with specific devices or operating systems.
In addition, those who are directly invited to participate via TestFlight now receive a feedback channel. They can use this to tell developers why they have decided not to join a beta.
Owned by Apple since 2014
TestFlight was purchased by Apple together with the developer company Burstly in 2014 and has been part of Apple's developer tools ever since. Previously, the online platform, which was launched in December 2010, also supported Android apps –, but Apple quickly changed this after purchasing the company. The distribution and management platform for app tests was already very popular at the time. Previously, Apple required developers to manually enter the unique device identifiers of test devices in Apple's developer portal. In addition, each test device required its own provisioning profile.
(mki)
