How to upload your build on TestFlight

TestFlight is a major app distribution channel for all iOS developers and has been acquired by Apple Inc. Apple has deeply integrated the beta testing of the app through iTunes Connect.?

Let's create a simple application.

How to create a project in Xcode?

Before deep diving, we have to set up a project. Let's create a simple iOS application with below steps:

•  Open Xcode.
•  Navigate to File -> New -> Project.
•  Select Single View Application, then click on Next.
•  Now just type the name of your application and bundle ID.

What is Bundle ID? 

Bundle ID is a unique identifier which identifies your application uniquely. No two application can have same Bundle ID. The Bundle ID of your project should be the same as in iTunes Connect. 

Below are the steps to upload your build TestFlight:-

Step 1. To use TestFlight, you have to create an application on iTunes Connect.

• Now,  let's first create the app ID on the developer portal in order to access the same bundle ID on iTunes Connect.
• Navigate to http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios/index.action
• Once logged in with your Apple ID and password, create a new bundle ID.
• Apple's integration with TestFlight has several advantages; now, for the beta release, you will not have to create separate hoc provisioning profiles.
• Also, you will not have to provide any devices details; now, TestFlight builds will work on all the devices that are invited.

Step 2. Now, sign in to iTunes Connect account and create a new application. Fill in all the required details and make sure you select the correct bundle ID from the drop-down menu and click on Create.

Step 3. Once the app is successfully created, you will be redirected to the main dashboard page of the app. Now, click on the Prerelease tab. This will be placed where all builds will be listed.

Step 4. Now, we are all set for build upload. Let's come back to our Xcode and release a build. Click on Build Setting tab for your app target, and make sure that Provisioning Profile is set to Automatic. The Code Signing Identity parameter for the release should be iOD Developer for Any iOS SDK, which is default setting when you create a project.

Step 5. Now, make sure you have added all the required app icons for the app. This is mandatory for any app before beta release. If we don't provide these icons, then Xcode is going to fail with an error.

Step 6. Then, we can proceed and archive the build for the beta release. To create an archive with release configuration, navigate to Product | Archive. Make sure that you have selected the iOS device from the device settings. You are now allowed to create an archive with an iOS simulator.

Step 7. Once the archive is successfully finished, you will be automatically taken to the Organizer window. This window should show the list of archives you have generated so far.

Step 8. Now, click on Submit to App Store. Now Xcode will autogenerate the ad-hoc certificate and provisioning profile based on iTunes Connect data. The name of the autogenerated provisioning profile should start with XC, which symbolizes that it has been autogenerated by Xcode.

Now once successfully completed this step, you should be able to see the progress bar for uploading your binary to iTunes Connect.

Step 9. You will receive a confirmation popup with a success message once the build is successfully uploaded to iTunes Connect.

Above are the successive steps to distribute your application via TestFlight.