Ad hoc distribution on iOS is a method for distributing iOS apps outside of the App Store, allowing developers to share pre-release versions of their apps with testers or a limited group of users.
This method is particularly useful for:
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Internal testing: Developers can distribute their app to internal team members for early feedback and bug testing.
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Beta testing: Developers can share their app with a controlled group of external users to get feedback on features and usability before the app's official release.
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Private distribution: Developers can distribute their app to specific groups of users, like employees or clients, without making it available to the general public.
To set up ad hoc distribution, developers need to:
- Create a provisioning profile: This profile defines the devices and users that are allowed to install the app.
- Sign the app with a developer certificate: This ensures that the app is from a trusted source.
- Package the app as an IPA file: This file contains all the necessary components for installing the app on a device.
- Distribute the IPA file to testers: Testers can then install the app on their devices using iTunes or Finder.
Key differences between ad hoc distribution and TestFlight:
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Ad hoc distribution: Allows you to distribute the app to a limited number of devices, but it requires testers to manually install the app using iTunes or Finder.
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TestFlight: Allows you to distribute the app to a larger number of testers, and it allows testers to install the app directly on their devices through the TestFlight app.
Ad hoc distribution is a valuable tool for developers who need to share their apps with a limited group of people before or during the release process. It offers a way to gather feedback and ensure that the app is working as intended before it is made available to the public.
