Kordant/tasks/ios-production/04-testflight-beta.md

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