TestFlight App Gains Automatic Update Support

[MacRumors]

Apple today updated the TestFlight app for iOS devices to version 3.0.0, introducing a new automatic update feature that's designed to update apps that are being tested through the app automatically when a developer pushes a new release.

Prior to the update, or with the feature disabled, TestFlight software had to be installed manually with each new release, so for those who test quite a few apps, this will be a welcome change that will make it easier to keep apps updated to the latest build.

Apple says that today's update also includes unspecified stability improvements and bug fixes, with the new software coming three months after Apple last updated TestFlight with a new app icon.

For those unfamiliar with TestFlight, it is Apple's app that developers use to provide beta versions of apps to media, testers, and others ahead of an app's release.

TestFlight can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: TestFlight App Gains Automatic Update Support

 

[MaximTV]

Thanks, Apple!

 

[Mr. Awesome]

Yes! I hate having to remember to update the betas myself.

 

[centauratlas]

For this type of use case, this is a very welcome change.

 

[Apple Desktop Bus (ADB)]

Part of beta testing an app is knowing what's been changed in each beta release, so that you can specifically test those things to make sure they work properly. I understand and want auto-updates for the average user with normal iOS apps, but as a developer I want my TestFlight users to be reading the updates of each new build, so that they can properly review them.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

Yes please!!

 

[superstrikertwo]

Part of beta testing an app is knowing what's been changed in each beta release, so that you can specifically test those things to make sure they work properly. I understand and want auto-updates for the average user with normal iOS apps, but as a developer I want my TestFlight users to be reading the updates of each new build, so that they can properly review them.

Beta apps show a “what’s changed and what to test” screen on launch after updating.

 

[Seoras]

I tend to only use a couple of people to test.
Reminding them to update is a pain so this will be a great and welcome addition.
I've found most of my app users a very reluctant to use a test flight version even if they desperately need a fix.
It's when you offer them a test flight that you really find out just how much they really need that update.
Frustrating as they are quick enough to shot you down with nasty 1 star reviews including comments like "why didn't you test this!?" while expecting others to help you do the testing they demand.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Glad to finally see this feature.

 

[HiRez]

Good feature but how on earth was this not a feature from the very beginning? Seems like the most obvious, core functionality for such an app.

 

[Palliser]

Totally useless for our team. We delete the previous app before installing the new one to completely uninstall and clear data to start fresh. For some it may work I suppose. Plus we want ppl to actually read the test notes.

 

[coolfactor]

I like seeing the "No Thanks" politeness.

 

[EmotionalSnow]

For some reason iOS always takes it's time with installing the updates from the App Store - I hope TestFlight will be better.

 

[Paco II]

Totally useless for our team. We delete the previous app before installing the new one to completely uninstall and clear data to start fresh. For some it may work I suppose. Plus we want ppl to actually read the test notes.

Test notes are shown at launch. Also you can just disable the option. Only upsides to this.

 

[Cosmosent]

Question for other App Devs:

We are considering adding PRE-release Apple ProRAW support to an app update.

As such, we would need to use TestFlight to push it out.

Anybody see any issues with this ?

Apple's ProRAW is specific to the 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max, & will very-likely ONLY work on the Back Wide Camera (just as legacy / traditional RAW DNG does).

Thanks in Advance.

BTW, the updated TestFlight app finally appears to be Good Enough to use now (with the auto updates) !

 

[HiRez]

Totally useless for our team. We delete the previous app before installing the new one to completely uninstall and clear data to start fresh. For some it may work I suppose. Plus we want ppl to actually read the test notes.

There there should be an option that goes along with this to clear data before updating. Or if not, can't your new app wipe the data when it first launches?

 

[posguy99]

Good feature but how on earth was this not a feature from the very beginning? Seems like the most obvious, core functionality for such an app.

Because generally, auto-updates are a bad idea. Auto-updates of a beta app that much more so. Turning this off is a PITA because the toggle is per-app.

 

[HiRez]

Because generally, auto-updates are a bad idea. Auto-updates of a beta app that much more so. Turning this off is a PITA because the toggle is per-app.

Well, since the developer is in control of the testing process and it's their app, that should be their decision. Sometimes you may need to force an update because the old one is doing something bad and in any case an older version is usually useless to the developer for testing. Anyway, the auto part is optional.

 

[MaximTV]

This feature seems to be broken since iOS 16.4.