Introduction
Publishing a BuddyBoss App to the App Store is effortless with our cloud-based build servers. They pull your site’s configuration, branding, menus, and any GitHub-connected customizations, then compile everything into a native Release App IPA that is ready for TestFlight or direct App Store submission.
This guide walks you through generating an iOS Release App build, uploading it to App Store Connect, inviting testers in TestFlight, and installing the build on your device, no Xcode required.
Keep in mind:
Always use your Test App for daily testing and custom development. The Release App should be reserved for submission to the Apple App Store.
However, there are cases where you’ll need to test using an iOS Release App before publishing especially if you’re using In-App Purchases. While the Test App can display products and allow fake purchases, it won’t show real pricing or subscription terms. Apple associates all In-App Purchase data with the Bundle ID of your Release App, so only a Release App can display accurate pricing and terms. It’s also the only way to perform proper test purchases using Apple’s official methods.
When to Use a Release App vs. Test App
- Test Apps are for daily QA and custom development which are installable directly via QR code.
- Release Apps are the builds you submit to Apple. Only from a Release App can you view real In-App Purchase pricing and terms, because Apple ties those products to your Release App’s Bundle ID.
Create an iOS Release App Build
- In WordPress Admin, go to BuddyBoss App > Build.
- Click Request Build.
- Select iOS as the platform and Release App as the build type.
- Click Next Step, review your settings, then Send Build Request.
- Wait for the build to complete (15–60 minutes), monitoring progress with Recheck Status Now.
Download the IPA File
- Once complete, switch to the Build History tab.
- Click Download IPA File on your new Release build card.
- Save the IPA somewhere safe. You’ll need it for TestFlight upload.
Upload to App Store Connect (TestFlight)
You will need to upload your build to the TestFlight section of your app in App Store Connect. You can view our documentation about Uploading iOS Builds to App Store Connect for a more in depth tutorial.
Once in TestFlight, you can assign the build to an app version, which can then be submitted to Apple for review. Follow these steps to upload a build:
- In WordPress Admin, go to BuddyBoss App > Upload > Apple App Store.
- Select the Release build you just generated.
- Click Upload Build (only builds already in your App Store Connect account will appear).
- Within 15 minutes, your build appears under TestFlight in App Store Connect.
Add Testers in TestFlight
- Log into App Store Connect > Users and Access > People.
- Click the + to invite each tester (use their Apple ID email).
- Assign any role (Developer is fine) and select your app.
- Under My Apps, open your app > TestFlight > Internal Testing > Testers > + > add your invited users.
Install via TestFlight
- Ask testers to install TestFlight on their iPhone.
- They’ll see your app listed. Tap Install, then Open.
- They can now experience the exact Release App (including real IAP pricing/terms).
Upload New Release Builds
Repeat Step 1 and Step 3 whenever you generate a new Release build. Testers receive an update notification in TestFlight as soon as the new build is processed.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: My In-App Purchases still show the “Price” placeholder.
A: Ensure you’re running a Release App via TestFlight; Test Apps never fetch real pricing.
Q: Release build isn’t appearing in TestFlight.
A: Confirm the IPA was uploaded to the correct App Store Connect app and that its build number exceeds any existing build.
Q: Testers can’t see my app in TestFlight.
A: Verify they’ve accepted the invitation under Users and Access, and that you’ve added them under Internal Testing.
Q: I made custom code changes, do I need a new build?
A: Yes, regenerate a Release App build to include any merged GitHub customizations before uploading.