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.
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.
Tuesday November 28, 2023 3:09 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple is ending its credit card partnership with Goldman Sachs, according to The Wall Street Journal. Apple plans to stop working with Goldman Sachs in the next 12 to 15 months, and it is not yet clear if Apple has established a new partnership for the Apple Card. Apple and Goldman Sachs will dissolve their entire consumer partnership, including the Apple Card and the Apple Savings account....
Tuesday November 28, 2023 12:18 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple is wrapping up development on iOS 17.2, with the update expected to come out in December. While we're getting to the end of the beta testing period, Apple is still tweaking features and adding new functionality. We've rounded up everything new in the fourth beta of iOS 17.2. Default Notification Sound Under Sounds & Haptics, there's a new "Default Alerts" section that allows you to ...
Monday November 27, 2023 5:11 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple with iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 introduced a new NameDrop feature that is designed to allow users to place Apple devices near one another to quickly exchange contact information. Sharing contact information is done with explicit user permission, but some news organizations and police departments have been spreading misinformation about how NameDrop functions. As noted by The Washington...
Tuesday November 28, 2023 7:44 am PST by Joe Rossignol
At WWDC in June 2022, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, increased personalization, and more. Apple's website still says the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience will be announced in "late 2023," but it has not shared...
Monday November 27, 2023 8:24 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple will likely release iOS 17.1.2 this week, based on mounting evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs in recent days. As a minor update, iOS 17.1.2 should be focused on bug fixes, but it's unclear exactly which issues might be addressed. Some users have continued to experience Wi-Fi issues on iOS 17.1.1, so perhaps iOS 17.1.2 will include the same fix for Wi-Fi...
Wednesday November 29, 2023 4:19 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple is discontinuing in-house modem development after several unsuccessful attempts to perfect its own custom 5G modem chip, according to unconfirmed reports coming out of Asia. According to the operator of news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Naver blog, supply chain sources related to Apple's 5G modem departments claim that the company's attempts to develop its own modem have...
Monday November 27, 2023 7:03 am PST by Joe Rossignol
As the end of 2023 nears, now is a good opportunity to look back at some of the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Apple products discontinued in 2023 include the iPhone 13 mini, 13-inch MacBook Pro, MagSafe Battery Pack, MagSafe Duo Charger, and leather accessories. Also check out our lists of Apple products discontinued in 2022 and 2021. iPhone Mini ...
Tuesday November 28, 2023 3:55 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Google Drive users have been warned not to disconnect their account within the Google Drive for desktop app, after a spate of reports of files going missing from the cloud service. Alarm bells began ringing last week on Google's community support site when some users reported files mysteriously disappearing from Google Drive, with some posters claiming six or more months of data had...
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.