TestFlight

When to Use

User needs to distribute beta builds via TestFlight. Agent handles App Store Connect setup, tester groups, build uploads, and CI/CD integration.

Quick Reference

Core Rules

1. App Store Connect Setup First

Before uploading:

• Bundle ID registered in Developer Portal
• App created in App Store Connect
• App-specific password or API key configured

2. Build Requirements

Every TestFlight build needs:

• Unique build number (CFBundleVersion) - increment ALWAYS
• Valid provisioning profile (App Store distribution)
• No missing compliance declarations

3. Tester Group Strategy

Internal builds available immediately. External requires Apple review (24-48h first time).

4. Upload Methods

5. Build Expiration

TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. Plan releases accordingly.

TestFlight Traps

• Build number not incremented - rejected immediately, must bump and rebuild
• Missing export compliance - stuck in "Processing" until answered in App Store Connect
• External testers on first build - requires full beta review, use internal first
• Expired provisioning profile - upload fails silently, check before archiving
• App-specific password in CI - use App Store Connect API key instead (more secure, no 2FA issues)

CI/CD Quick Setup

App Store Connect API Key (Recommended)

1. App Store Connect > Users > Keys > App Store Connect API
2. Generate key with "App Manager" role
3. Download .p8 file (only shown ONCE)
4. Note: Issuer ID, Key ID

Fastlane Upload

# In Fastfile
lane :beta do
  build_app(scheme: "MyApp")
  upload_to_testflight(
    api_key_path: "fastlane/api_key.json",
    skip_waiting_for_build_processing: true
  )
end

xcrun altool (No Fastlane)

xcrun altool --upload-app \
  --type ios \
  --file "MyApp.ipa" \
  --apiKey "KEY_ID" \
  --apiIssuer "ISSUER_ID"

Security & Privacy

Data that leaves your machine:

• IPA/app binary uploaded to Apple servers
• Build metadata (version, bundle ID, team)

Data that stays local:

• API keys and certificates (keep in Keychain)
• Source code (not uploaded)

This skill does NOT:

• Store Apple credentials in plain text
• Share builds outside Apple's infrastructure

Related Skills

Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:

• ios — iOS development patterns
• xcode — Xcode workflows
• flutter — cross-platform builds

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