TestFlight

TestFlight is Apple's official platform for distributing pre-release versions of apps to testers outside the public App Store. Integrated with App Store Connect, it lets developers invite testers, manage builds, and collect feedback and crash data during beta testing.

Originally an independent service, TestFlight was acquired by Apple in 2014 and later folded into App Store Connect, becoming the built-in channel for beta distribution on Apple platforms.

Developers upload beta builds, configure testers, and publish invitations. Internal testers (up to 25 per App Store Connect account) can join directly, while external testers (up to 10,000 per app) may join via public links or email. External builds require a brief beta review by Apple before testing begins.

Testers install the TestFlight app on their device, accept the invitation, and install the beta build. Builds remain available for testing for up to 90 days, after which they expire. Feedback from testers can be sent through TestFlight, including annotated screenshots and device logs; developers can view crash reports and tester metrics in App Store Connect.

TestFlight supports testing across Apple platforms supported by the app (iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, macOS) where available. It provides tester metrics and crash reports in App Store Connect, helping developers iterate before a full App Store release. Public links and private invitations offer flexible access control, while the beta review step helps ensure beta builds meet safety and policy requirements before broader testing.