TestFlight
TestFlight is Apple’s official platform for beta testing iOS apps. It lets you share your app with testers before releasing publicly on the App Store.
What is TestFlight?
TestFlight is a free app from Apple that allows:
- You to upload beta versions of your app
- Testers to install and test on their devices
- Feedback to flow back to you before public launch
Why Use TestFlight?
Find Bugs Early
Real users on real devices catch issues you might miss:
- Device-specific bugs
- Edge cases in user flow
- Performance issues
- Usability problems
Validate Your App
Before spending time on App Store submission:
- Confirm core features work
- Get user feedback on design
- Refine the experience
Build Excitement
Beta testers become your first fans:
- They feel invested in the app
- They’ll leave early reviews
- They spread word of mouth
How It Works
Build App → Upload to App Store Connect → Invite Testers → Get Feedback
↓
Testers install via TestFlight app
Upload your build
Nativeline uploads your app to App Store Connect
Invite testers
Add tester emails or share a public link
Testers install
They download TestFlight app, then install your app
Collect feedback
Testers use the app and send feedback
Iterate
Fix issues, upload new builds, repeat
Tester Types
Internal Testers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Who | Members of your App Store Connect team |
| Limit | Up to 100 testers |
| Review | No Apple review required |
| Access | Immediate after upload processing |
External Testers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Who | Anyone with an email address |
| Limit | Up to 10,000 testers |
| Review | First build requires brief Apple review |
| Access | After review approval (~24-48 hours first time) |
TestFlight Limits
| Limit | Value |
|---|
| Internal testers | 100 |
| External testers | 10,000 |
| Tester groups | 195 |
| Builds per version | Unlimited |
| Build availability | 90 days |
What Testers See
When testers install via TestFlight:
- App appears on home screen — with a small orange dot indicator
- Full app functionality — works just like the real app
- Feedback option — can take screenshots and send feedback
- Automatic updates — new builds install automatically
Build Expiration
TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. Testers must update to a newer build to continue testing.
TestFlight vs App Store
| Aspect | TestFlight | App Store |
|---|
| Audience | Invited testers | Everyone |
| Review | Faster (or none for internal) | Full review |
| Purpose | Testing, feedback | Public release |
| Updates | Automatic | User-controlled |
| Expiration | 90 days | Never |
| Payments | Cannot process | Full IAP support |
Requirements
To use TestFlight, you need:
- ✅ Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
- ✅ App uploaded to App Store Connect
- ✅ Valid code signing certificates
- ✅ Testers with iOS devices and TestFlight app
Getting Started
