Join the Harvest - One-Tap Summary beta - TestFlight - Apple

Hey there! 👋 If you're curious about how to test beta apps on your Apple devices using TestFlight, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything, step by step, from getting started to giving feedback, all in a friendly and easy-to-understand way. Let's dive in! 🚀

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What is TestFlight?

TestFlight is an app by Apple that lets you help developers test beta versions of their apps and App Clips before they're released to everyone. You can use it on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and iMessage.

"Help developers test beta versions of their apps and App Clips using the TestFlight app."

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1. Getting Started 🏁

How to Join a Beta Test

To start testing, you'll need:

• An invitation (via email or public link) from the developer.
• A compatible device (like iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) that meets the developer's requirements.

"You'll be able to access the builds that the developer makes available to you."

Note:
Developers might set specific requirements, like a certain device or OS version. If you don't meet these, you can't join that beta.

"You must have the preferred device and OS in order to accept the invitation."

Supported Devices & OS

• iOS/iPadOS: iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 and up
• macOS: macOS 12 or later
• tvOS: tvOS 14 or later
• visionOS: visionOS 1 or later
• watchOS: watchOS 6 or later

Supported Languages

TestFlight supports a wide range of languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and many more. (visionOS supports a slightly smaller set.)

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2. Installing and Testing Beta Apps 📲

How Long Can You Test?

Each beta build is available for up to 90 days from when the developer uploads it.

"Each build is available to test for up to 90 days, starting from the day the developer uploads their build."

You'll see how many days are left for testing in the TestFlight app. When a new build is available, you'll get a notification.

Automatic Updates:
With TestFlight 3 or later, you can turn on automatic updates so you always have the latest beta build.

"You can turn on automatic updates to have the latest beta builds install automatically."

After Testing Ends:
When the testing period is over, you can't open the beta app anymore. To keep using the app, download or buy it from the App Store.

"In-app purchases are free only during beta testing, and any in-app purchases made during testing will not carry over to App Store versions."

Special Note for Subscriptions

"When testing your app's subscriptions in TestFlight, the renewal rate is accelerated. Each subscription is renewed daily, up to 6 times within a one-week period, regardless of the subscription's duration."

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3. How to Install Beta Apps (Step-by-Step) 🛠️

For iOS/iPadOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch)

1. Install TestFlight from the App Store.
2. Open your email invitation or public link.
3. Tap Accept, then Install.

If you're a returning tester, tap Update or Open.

For macOS

1. Install TestFlight on your Mac.
2. Open your email invitation or public link.
3. Click Accept, then Install.

For tvOS (Apple TV)

• Via Email:

  1. Install TestFlight on Apple TV.
  2. Open your email invitation on another device.
  3. Get the redemption code and enter it in TestFlight on Apple TV.

• Via Public Link:

  1. Install TestFlight on both your iOS device and Apple TV (same App Store account).
  2. Tap the public link, accept, then install on Apple TV.

For visionOS

1. Open your email invitation or public link.
2. Tap Accept, then Install.

For watchOS

1. Install TestFlight on the iOS device paired with your Apple Watch.
2. Open your email invitation or public link.
3. Tap Accept.
4. Tap Install from the Apps list (for Watch-only apps).

For iMessage Apps

1. Install TestFlight on your device.
2. Open your email invitation or public link.
3. Tap Accept, then Install.

For App Clips

You can test either the full app or the App Clip (a mini version of the app). If you install the App Clip, it will replace the full app and some data may be lost.

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4. Managing Automatic Updates 🔄

You can set TestFlight to automatically update all your beta apps, or just specific ones.

"This allows the latest available beta builds to install automatically. TestFlight will notify you each time a new build is installed on your device."

How to Turn On/Off Automatic Updates:

• All Apps:
  • Go to TestFlight Settings and toggle Automatic Updates for New Apps.
• Individual Apps:
  • Go to the app's page in TestFlight and toggle Automatic Updates.

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5. Testing Previous Builds & Build Groups 🕰️

You can test older versions of the app if the developer makes them available.

"When viewing an app in TestFlight, you'll see the latest available build by default. You can still test all other builds that are available to you."

If you already have the App Store version, the beta will replace it. You'll see an orange dot next to the beta app's name.

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6. Giving Feedback 📝

Your feedback is super valuable! You can report bugs, suggest improvements, or just share your thoughts.

"While testing a beta version of an app or App Clip, you can send the developer feedback about issues you experience or make suggestions for improvements based on the 'What to Test' content."

How to Send Feedback

• Through TestFlight App:

  1. Open TestFlight, select the app, tap Send Beta Feedback.
  2. Add comments (up to 4,000 characters), attach screenshots if needed, and submit.

• By Taking a Screenshot:

  1. Take a screenshot.
  2. Tap the thumbnail, add notes if you want, then tap Share Beta Feedback.

• For Crashes:
  If the app crashes, you'll get an alert to send crash details to the developer.

"If you experience a crash while testing a beta app or beta App Clip, you'll receive an alert asking if you want to send crash details to the developer through TestFlight."

• For tvOS:
  Email the developer directly (email address is in the app's info section in TestFlight).

Declining an Invitation

If you don't want to join a beta, you can leave feedback to let the developer know why.

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7. Opting Out from Testing 🚪

If you change your mind:

• Don't accept the invitation: The app won't be installed, and you won't be listed as a tester.
• Unsubscribe: Use the link at the bottom of the invitation email.
• Stop Testing: In TestFlight, go to the app's info page and tap Stop Testing.

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8. Privacy and Data 🔒

Apple collects some data when you use TestFlight, like crash logs, your name, email, usage info, and feedback.

"Apple will collect and send crash logs, your personal information such as name and email address, usage information, and any feedback you submit to the developer."

• Developers can only use your info to improve their app and can't share it with others.
• Apple may use the info to improve TestFlight and prevent fraud.

For more details, check out TestFlight & Privacy.

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⭐️ Key Takeaways

• TestFlight lets you test beta apps on Apple devices.
• You need an invitation and a compatible device.
• Beta builds last 90 days and can be updated automatically.
• Feedback is easy to send and helps developers improve their apps.
• You can opt out at any time.
• Your privacy is protected—data is only used to improve apps and services.

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If you want to help shape the future of your favorite apps, TestFlight is a fun and easy way to get involved! Happy testing! 🧑‍💻✨