In the previous article we explained how to setup the account and make provisioning profiles with valid certificates for Development and Distribution profiles,
Now we're passing to make Testflight then submit the app to the Apple Store.
Why Making Testflight ?
Testing is an importing part to validate you iOS app before submission, for that, Apple made it easier with an online tool to the Apple Developer Program, allows you to deliver over the air-builds to testers and get priceless feedback.
Make per-release build version for testing in Visual Studio (Xamarin.forms application)
Steps
=> Choose the Bundle Signing scheme either automatic or manual, don't forget to choose the appropriate provisioning profile for release choose the Distribution one.
Then open iOS Manifest tab, same as info.plist file :
=> Enter your application name to be displayed in the store.
Enter the same Bundle Identifier for the app as in Apple Developer Portal already made.
Now the difference between Version number and Build number is that in on version you can make many builds. Build number should be incremented for each upload, it will not be seen in App store but Version number will.
Before generating the IPA, you need to add new app in Apple Store Connect then MyApps and add new application. Put your app information and click on Create.
- Create new empty project xamarin.forms .net standard
- Connect to an agent Mac as explained here
- Change solution configuration to release => iphone=>connected device or iPhone simulator
- Add your Apple account : TOOLS →options →Apple Account →Add
- Right click on iOS project and open properties and follow the following steps :
=> Choose the Bundle Signing scheme either automatic or manual, don't forget to choose the appropriate provisioning profile for release choose the Distribution one.
Then open iOS Manifest tab, same as info.plist file :
=> Enter your application name to be displayed in the store.
Enter the same Bundle Identifier for the app as in Apple Developer Portal already made.
Now the difference between Version number and Build number is that in on version you can make many builds. Build number should be incremented for each upload, it will not be seen in App store but Version number will.
In visual Assets tab, set your icon for the store in iTunes Artwork section,
Make sure that the images are without Alpha Channel.
HOW TO remove alpha channel?
- Open the image in your Mac for preview.
- Open File Menu and choose Export.
- Uncheck Alpha checkbox and save.
Before generating the IPA, you need to add new app in Apple Store Connect then MyApps and add new application. Put your app information and click on Create.
Lets Prepare the IPA !
From visual studio all you need is to build the solution, when build succeded open the bin folder from the ios project , open release folder then iPhone/iPhone Simulator folder , you will find the ipa file.
How to upload it to test flight ?
- In your Mac Machine, open XCode program , choose XCode => open developer tool => Application Loader from the menu bar.
- Sign in using your Apple account, then choose the generated ipa file and click open
How to find the IPA file on my MAC ?
The path is the following :
Home => Library => Caches => Xamarin => mtbs => builds => MyProject.iOS => build number => bin => iPhone/iPhone Simulator => Release => MyProject.iOS.ipa
We're done here !
- Now open Apple Store Connect then MyApps then select your application.
- In Activity tab you'll find the build version upload in process (it takes 15 minutes at least).
- Once processing ends, go to TestFlight tab and click on the yellow exclamation mark
- Click on Provide Export Compliance Information , then choose NO.
Now the app is ready fo testing, but first we need to add testers..
Adding Testers
There are two ways to invite users for testing
- Invitation by Email.(external and internal testing) which we will be explaining in this article.
- Invitation with beta testing by link, allow adding external testers, which is the latest update to the platform that allows developers to offer multiple builds of their apps to beta testers groups for testing. Mode details here.
Steps to follow :
- Go to Apple Store Connect then Users and Access
- Add new user from the plus (+) icon
The tester must accept invitation send to him via email
- Now once the tester accept the invitation, back to MyApps and go to Testers and Groups section in left side, then choose App Store Connect user to add new user for testing
By clicking on the plus (+) icon , you'll get the list of users added and accepted the invitation as explained earlier, choose the users and wait them to accept invitation.
The test must have TestFlight app installed on his iPhone, he got notified to add the redeem access code to install the application.
The test for installed version is valid for 90 days, after that will be expired
You can expire manually the builds sent for testing.
Every new test flight the tester receive notification for updating.
Up to 25 internal and 1000 external testers can participate.Prepare Your App For Submission in the store
Now final step before submitting your application to the App Store Preview, some information needed first.
Lets Dive in !
- Name: the app name as seen by users.
- Subtitle (optional)
- Privacy Policy URL
Pricing and Availability
In this tab you specify :
- Where would you like this app to be available? choose the countries.
- Is your app free or paid? choose the currency and the wanted price.
- Distribution for Business and Education
Prepare for Submission
- Add the build version to publish for Preview
- Screenshots : You need at least one for every supported device screen size. The screenshots cannot contain transparency.
- Name: the app name as seen by users.
- Description : A description of your app, detailing features and functionality.
- Keywords : Separate keywords tags with a comma.
- Support URL
- Marketing URL
- Privacy Policy URL
- App Icon
- Rating : Generate your rating based on the questionnaire here.
- Copyright : Use the format: YYYY Company Name or project name
- Demo Account : “The username and password for a full-access account for your app. Include details for additional accounts in the Notes field.”
Don't forget to click on Save for each tab when making changes.
If you are ready click on Submit for Preview. You will need to wait for Apple review report if there is any issue you'll be noticed, otherwise you app accepted and submitted with status Ready for sale.
If you are willing to publish new version, all you have to do is adding new ios version and specify the the build version and update your app information in addition to another field to fill "Whats New In This Version".
Last stage, Save then Submit for Review.
Post a Comment