TestFlight is Apple's tool for distributing beta builds of iOS, iPadOS and macOS apps. Short definitions below, based on Apple's TestFlight overview. Apple's rules and limits change, so check the current documentation.
- Build: one uploaded version of your app, identified by a version and a build number.
- Internal tester: an App Store Connect user on your team (Apple lists up to 100).
- External tester: anyone outside your team, invited by email or public link (Apple lists up to 10,000).
- Group: a named set of testers; builds are assigned to groups.
- Public link: an invitation link that lets people join a group without an individual email invite.
- Beta App Review: Apple's review of the first build you add to an external group; testing starts once it is approved.
- Build expiry: a build can be tested for up to 90 days; upload a new build to continue.
- Tester feedback: screenshots and comments testers send from the TestFlight app; they appear in App Store Connect.
Example: you upload build 7, assign it to a group called "Friends", and send the group's public link; testers install it through the TestFlight app.
Related
- Internal vs external testers in TestFlight
- TestFlight setup guide
- Back to the app testing glossary; see also QA and bug terms and ASO terms.
Want private feedback on a build? See how AppReviewX works.