Generating iOS Release Apps for MemberPress App

iOS Release Apps enable production-ready build preparation for App Store submission, TestFlight distribution, and accurate in-app purchase validation. Release Apps compile site configuration, branding, menus, and customizations into IPA files using cloud-based build servers. This document explains how to create iOS Release App builds, upload them to App Store Connect, invite TestFlight testers, and manage build updates.

Release Apps are required for App Store submission and verifying actual subscription pricing, durations, and purchase flows. Test Apps serve daily quality assurance and rapid development previews while Release Apps enable genuine in-app purchase transactions and official distribution testing. Proper Release App configuration ensures accurate pre-publication testing and smooth App Store submission processes.

Understanding Release vs Test Apps

Release Apps and Test Apps serve different purposes in the development and distribution lifecycle.

Test App Characteristics

Test Apps provide rapid deployment for development and quality assurance activities.

Daily quality assurance enables quick testing cycles without app store submission delays. Test Apps install via QR code without requiring App Store distribution.

Development previews showcase app features and functionality for approval processes. Direct installation simplifies sharing with stakeholders and reviewers.

Custom code validation verifies GitHub-connected customizations before production deployment. Development teams test code changes without formal release procedures.

Simulated purchases use placeholder pricing without processing real transactions. The test environment enables purchase flow verification without financial implications.

Release App Characteristics

Release Apps provide production-grade builds for official distribution and testing.

App Store submission requires Release App IPA files for store publication. Only Release Apps meet Apple's distribution requirements for public availability.

TestFlight distribution enables controlled release testing before public launch. TestFlight provides a structured beta testing environment for Release Apps.

Actual pricing display shows real subscription costs and terms to testers. Price verification ensures accurate member expectations before public release.

Genuine purchase transactions process real in-app purchase payments through App Store billing. Transaction testing confirms proper payment processing and receipt validation.

Bundle ID linking connects Release Apps to App Store Connect product configurations. Apple associates in-app purchases with Release App Bundle IDs exclusively.

Creating iOS Release App Build

Release App build generation creates production-ready IPA files for App Store distribution.

1. Vaya a Dashboard > MP App > Build.
2. Haga clic en el botón Request Build botón.

3. Seleccione iOS as the platform from the available options.
4. Seleccione Release App as the build type.

5. Haga clic en Siguiente to proceed to the build configuration review.
6. Review all build settings displayed on the confirmation screen.
7. Haga clic en Send Build Request to submit the build request.
8. Wait 15-60 minutes for build completion in the build queue.
9. Haga clic en Recheck Status Now to refresh the build status if needed.

Nota: Build completion timing varies based on build complexity and server load. Most builds are complete within 30 minutes of request submission.

Downloading IPA File

IPA file download prepares the app package for App Store Connect upload.

1. Vaya a Dashboard > MP App > Build > Build History after build completion.
2. Locate the completed release build in the history list.
3. Haga clic en Install on iOS Device next to the finished release build.

4. Haga clic en Download IPA File from the installation options.

5. Save the IPA file to a secure location on the computer.

IPA files contain the compiled iOS application ready for TestFlight and App Store distribution.

Uploading to App Store Connect

App Store Connect upload enables TestFlight distribution and App Store submission preparation.

1. Vaya a Dashboard > MP App > Upload.

2. Vaya a the Apple App Store.
3. Select the generated Release Build from the available builds list.

4. Verify the app exists in App Store Connect account before proceeding.
5. Haga clic en Upload Build to begin the upload process.
6. Wait approximately 15 minutes for upload processing to complete.
7. Navigate to App Store Connect to verify the build appears in TestFlight.

Nota: Builds must exist in App Store Connect before upload attempts. Create an app record in App Store Connect if it is not already present.

Adding Testers in TestFlight

TestFlight tester addition enables specific users to access and test Release App builds.

1. Log in to App Store Connect at appstoreconnect.apple.com.
2. Vaya a Users and Access > People in the navigation.

3. Haga clic en el botón + button to invite new testers.

4. Input the tester name.

5. Enter the tester's Apple ID email address in the email field.

6. Assign an appropriate role from the available options, such as Developer.
7. Select the app from the app access list.
8. Haga clic en Invite to send the invitation.
9. Vaya a Mis aplicaciones and select the app.
10. Haga clic en TestFlight in the sidebar.
11. Navegue hasta el Internal Testing sección.
12. Haga clic en Testers to manage the tester list.
13. Haga clic en el botón + button to add invited users to the testing group.
14. Select testers from the people list.
15. Haga clic en Añadir to confirm tester additions.

Nota: Tester email addresses must match their Apple ID emails exactly for successful access.

Installing via TestFlight

TestFlight installation enables testers to access and use Release App builds.

1. Testers download the TestFlight app from the Apple App Store.
2. Testers open the TestFlight app on their iOS device.
3. Testers check their email for an invitation from App Store Connect.
4. Testers accept the invitation through the email link or the TestFlight app.
5. Release App appears in the TestFlight app available tests list.
6. Testers tap Instale next to the app name.
7. Wait for the installation to complete on the device.
8. Testers tap Abrir to launch the Release App.

Release Apps display real in-app purchase pricing and production app behavior matching post-publication functionality.

Uploading New Release Builds

Release build updates, deploy new versions to existing TestFlight testers.

1. Vaya a Dashboard > MP App > Build en WordPress.

2. Haga clic en Request Build to create a new release version.
3. Seleccione iOS platform and Release App build type.

4. Complete the build request and wait for completion.
5. Download the new IPA file from Build History.
6. Vaya a Dashboard > MP App > Upload > Apple App Store.
7. Select the new Release Build from the builds list.
8. Haga clic en Upload Build to begin the upload process.
9. Wait for upload processing to complete.
10. Testers receive an update notification in the TestFlight app.
11. Testers tap Actualización in TestFlight to install the new version.

TestFlight automatically notifies testers when new build versions become available for testing.

Understanding TestFlight Distribution

TestFlight provides a structured beta testing environment for iOS Release Apps.

Internal testing enables quick distribution to up to 100 testers from the development team. Internal testers receive immediate access without Apple review delays.

External testing distributes builds to up to 10,000 external beta testers. External testing requires Apple review before tester access.

Automatic updates notify testers when new builds become available. TestFlight streamlines update distribution without manual tester coordination.

Crash reporting provides detailed crash logs and diagnostic data. TestFlight analytics help identify and resolve stability issues before public release.

Testing duration allows 90-day testing periods per build version. Builds expire after 90 days, requiring new version uploads for continued testing.