Tip: TestFlight Expedited Review for Beta Versions

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Here is a good tip for other Ionic/Cordova developers using Apple’s TestFlight with external beta testers. You can skip the TestFlight review process (after the first initial submission) if you maintain the same version number, and only iterate the bundle version. To do this, modify your confix.xml and add the “ios-CFBundleVersion” variable as seen below:

<widget id="com.camtera.demoapp" version="1.0.0" ios-CFBundleVersion="101" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/ns/widgets" xmlns:cdv="http://cordova.apache.org/ns/1.0">

For every minor submission, iterate the ios-CFBundleVersion value while keeping the version number the same.

During the iTunes Connect TestFlight submission process, Apple will ask you if “you made significant changes” (image below) to your build since previous submission. If you have not, then answer “No” and your beta version will be immediately approved. When you have a major release with substantial changes, I would suggest you iterate the version number and go through Apple’s normal 1-2 day review process.

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testflight.png972×234 16 KB

If you have any problems, make sure you have the latest version of Cordova:

npm install -g cordova
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This is awesome information. I’ve heard of the post first submission rule but I never have been able to get it to implement! Thank you for sharing.

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Also, you can only submit a maximum of two beta TestFlight builds in a 24 hour period. Otherwise, you will receive this error:

image

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Thanks! I’m frustrated with test flight. I’ve already spend 5 days waiting for “review” for external testers. Once I get approved, I’ll use your trick.

I’ve switched to testfairy in the mean time