# 04. TestFlight Beta Distribution

meta:
  id: ios-production-04
  feature: ios-production
  priority: P1
  depends_on: []
  tags: [app-store, testing, production]

objective:
- Set up TestFlight beta testing with internal and external testers to validate app before public release

deliverables:
- Internal testing group configured
- External testing group with 20+ testers
- Beta testing feedback process
- Crash reporting for beta builds

steps:
1. Configure internal testing:
   - Add all team members to App Store Connect
   - Create internal testing group
   - Upload first beta build
   - Verify team members can install via TestFlight app
2. Recruit external testers:
   - Create external testing group "Kordant Beta"
   - Invite 20-100 external testers via email or public link
   - Target: mix of technical and non-technical users
   - Include iPhone and iPad users
   - Include different iOS versions (16, 17, 18)
3. Prepare beta testing materials:
   - Beta app description and what to test
   - Feedback email or link (TestFlight feedback)
   - Known issues list
   - Testing checklist for testers
4. Set up crash reporting:
   - Enable TestFlight crash reporting in Xcode
   - Integrate Firebase Crashlytics for detailed crashes
   - Configure alerts for crash spikes
5. Distribute beta builds:
   - Upload new build → auto-distribute to internal testers
   - Submit for external testing review (first build only)
   - Distribute to external testers after approval
6. Collect and triage feedback:
   - Review TestFlight feedback daily
   - Create issues from feedback in task tracker
   - Respond to critical feedback within 24 hours
   - Track bug reports and feature requests
7. Iterate based on feedback:
   - Fix critical bugs within 1 week
   - Address UI/UX issues before public release
   - Update beta build every 1-2 weeks

tests:
- Distribution: Verify testers receive build notifications
- Feedback: Test feedback submission process
- Crash: Verify crash reports appear in Firebase

acceptance_criteria:
- Internal testing group with all team members
- External testing group with 20+ active testers
- First beta build distributed and installed successfully
- TestFlight feedback channel active
- Crash reporting receiving reports
- Beta testing checklist provided to testers
- Known issues documented and shared
- Iteration cycle: new build every 1-2 weeks
- Zero critical crashes in last 2 beta builds

validation:
- TestFlight app → build available for install
- External tester installs app → no issues
- Submit feedback → appears in App Store Connect
- Simulate crash → report appears in Firebase

notes:
- External testing requires App Review approval for first build
- Public link allows anyone to join without invitation
- Beta testing typically takes 2-4 weeks before release
- Use TestFlight groups to test different features