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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday October 21, 2021 12:59 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Late last month, Apple issued an unusual standalone software update to macOS users called "Device Support Update," which it said was to "ensure proper updating and restoring for iOS and iPadOS devices with Mac." While no other details were provided, it was assumed that the update added support for recently released devices, including iPhone 13 models, the new iPad mini, and the...
Tuesday December 14, 2021 9:40 am PST by Juli Clover
Alongside iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, macOS Monterey 12.1, and watchOS 8.3, Apple yesterday introduced an updated version of Xcode, Xcode 13.2. Developers who are updating should be aware that there's a bug with the Mac App Store version of the software at this time, and it should be avoided.
According to a thread on the Developer forums, updating to Xcode 13.2 from the Mac App Store results in...
Monday February 28, 2022 9:32 am PST by Sami Fathi
Amid an ongoing dispute with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in the Netherlands over the App Store, Apple has defended its plan to require app developers to submit an additional app binary for the Dutch storefront if they wish to use a third-party payment processing method.
The ACM has ruled that Apple must allow dating apps in the Netherlands to use third-party payment...
Wednesday November 3, 2021 11:36 am PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today informed developers that they can invite people to try out early versions of Mac apps prior to release using the TestFlight platform, marking the end of a beta test that's been ongoing since August.
Mac app developers can invite up to 10,000 external testers through email or a public link, plus there are tools for creating multiple groups of internal testers and configuring build ...
Monday February 14, 2022 10:37 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today updated its Apple Support app designed for the iPhone and iPad, introducing a new feature that provides price estimates for common repairs in select locations.
When using the Support app after installing the update, you can tap on a device that you own in the "My Devices" list and then choose "Repairs & Physical Damage" to see a list of options.
Tapping on a common repair like ...
Thursday January 20, 2022 10:13 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 15.3 and iPadOS 15.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming one week after the launch of the second betas and over a month after the launch of iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2.
iOS and iPadOS 15.3 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or over the air after the proper profile has been...
Wednesday January 19, 2022 9:57 am PST by Juli Clover
Last week, MacRumors shared news that Apple had stopped releasing iOS 14 security updates and was pushing those still on iOS 14 to upgrade to iOS 15, an apparent reversal of a promise to allow users to stay on the iOS 14 operating system.
Apple today told Ars Technica that the option to stay on iOS 14 and avoid the iOS 15 upgrade was always meant to be temporary. It is not a mistake that...
Tuesday January 11, 2022 1:39 pm PST by Juli Clover
If you're a regular internet user you've probably heard of popular web-based daily guessing game Wordle, created by Josh Wardle. The game, which is entirely free to play, was introduced last fall and has been spreading like wildfire.
Wordle asks players to guess a five letter word by identifying which letters are in the word and are located in the right location. Players get six guesses per...
Apple has "started to record" its virtual September event, where it's expected to announce the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 8, and a new "rugged" Apple Watch model, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says the event, which is expected to take place in the early part of September, is already under production, implying...
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models are rumored to be available in a refreshed range of color options, including an all-new purple color. Most expectations about the iPhone 14 lineup's color options come from an unverified post on Chinese social media site Weibo earlier this year.
Overall, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro's selection of color options could look fairly similar to those of the ...
With the fifth beta of iOS 16, Apple has updated the battery icon on iPhones with Face ID to display the specific battery percentage rather than just a visual representation of battery level. The new battery indicator is available on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, with the exception of the 5.4-inch iPhone 12/13 mini. It is also available on the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, XS and XS Max, and...
Apple this week brought back one of the most highly requested features from iOS users since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017: the ability to see your battery percentage directly in the status bar.
Ever since the launch of the iPhone X with the notch, Apple has not allowed users to show their battery percentage directly in the status bar, forcing them to swipe down into Control Center to...
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of iOS 16 to developers for testing purposes, introducing some small but notable changes to the iOS operating system.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We've rounded up everything new in the fifth beta below.
Battery Percentage in Status Bar
The battery icon in the status bar now displays the exact battery percent, a feature that ...
The camera bump on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro Max is expected to be the largest rear lens housing Apple has ever installed on its flagship smartphones, and a new photo offers a rare glimpse at just how prominent it is compared to Apple's predecessor device.
iPhone 14 Pro Max dummy (left) vs iPhone 13 Pro Max All iPhone 14 models are expected to see upgrades to the Ultra Wide camera on the...
While the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8 are expected to be announced in September as usual, there are several more Apple products rumored to launch later this year, including new iPad and Mac models and more.
Beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch, we've put together a list of five Apple products that are most likely to be unveiled by the end of 2022.
Second-Generation AirPods Pro
Apple...
Top Rated Comments
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.