0

I am considering outsourcing the development of an iOS app to various independent developers. I will have have various testers of the app. We all work for separate companies. Some of these testers will be customers, who I would like feedback from. As there are multiple developers involved I expect there to be a new release on a daily basis.

How can this be done? Would each of the testers need to buy some sort of license to avoid having to go through the app approval process? Is there any smooth way to do this so that it will not be a hassle for our friendly customers, who are willing to test our app?

Improve this question
4
  • with testing you mean testing the code to find bug or testing the "user experience"
    – user827992
    Jul 9, 2012 at 11:42
  • @user827992 Thanks for asking. I mean the user experience. But using some sort of emulator would be fine, I think.
    – David
    Jul 9, 2012 at 11:44
  • 1
    Xcode comes with an emulator google.com/search?q=xcode+emulator
    – user827992
    Jul 9, 2012 at 11:57
  • XCode only works if the users own macs...its safe to assume many don't based on market share alone.
    – Rig
    Jul 9, 2012 at 14:05

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
2

It seems like what I am after is Ad Hoc Distribution, which is limited to 100 users.

Improve this answer
8
  • 1
    but you have to first enroll in the developer program, with an emulator the testing phase is free, it's a fee that you have to consider.
    – user827992
    Jul 9, 2012 at 12:08
  • 1
    It seems like only the developer has to enroll: readwriteweb.com/mobile/2010/12/…
    – David
    Jul 9, 2012 at 12:12
  • @user827992 Excellent point. I thought that all developers needed to enroll. Thanks for the information.
    – David
    Jul 9, 2012 at 12:24
  • 1
    @user827992 : you don't need all 3 developers to register separately for the program, you can purchase one iOS dev program and let multiple people work in your program.
    – Wyatt Barnett
    Jul 9, 2012 at 13:03
  • 1
    @user827992 : not sure how you got that understanding -- we've been doing a bit of this sort of thing and haven't had a problem. Both where the external team had their own iOS program and when we were working with people using our iOS program. In any case TestFlight is the way to go.
    – Wyatt Barnett
    Jul 9, 2012 at 14:11
2

Take a look at TestFlight. You'll enroll in the iOS developer program, have your testers set up their devices as members of your team and be able to push new builds to TestFlight. Your testers will receive notifications and get the new builds to test.

Improve this answer
1
  • This would be a better answer if it explained some of the advantages that come with using TestFlight. What you've described is essentially how ad hoc distribution already works -- you add test devices to your developer account and then send new builds to your testers as necessary.
    – Caleb
    Jul 9, 2012 at 16:26
1

Any developer who wants to build and test their code on their own iOS device without needing to send the app to another developer to codesign the app for them (or using their company's certificates) needs to enroll in Apple's iOS Developer program ($99/annum).

For company teams using less than 100 max total iOS devices, only the company or team leader needs to pay and enroll, but then that one person needs to handle all the accounting and management (registering everybody's device, renewing and sending out certificates and provisions to everybody else on the development team, submitting apps to Apple, etc.). Test devices belonging to testers can be among those 100 max total device. See Apple's documentation on Ad Hoc distribution.

Improve this answer
1

The current way users can access and test an unpublished iOS app is through the TestFlight program. If I may answer the rest of your questions using the Apple page, it says:

To take advantage of TestFlight, you’ll need to upload at least one beta build of your app to App Store Connect, and invite testers using their email addresses or by sharing a public link. Testers can get started by accepting your email invitation or following the public link. To install your app and provide feedback, testers will use the TestFlight app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.