TL;DR
TestFlight lets developers distribute beta builds and App Clips to invited testers or via public links across Apple platforms. Builds are available for up to 90 days, require specific device/OS criteria set by the developer, and include options like automatic updates and accelerated subscription testing.
What happened
Apple’s TestFlight service provides a centralized process for installing and testing pre-release apps and App Clips on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and iMessage. Testers join by accepting an email invitation or following a public link; developers can restrict access by device or OS and give team members access to particular builds. Each uploaded build remains available for testing for up to 90 days. TestFlight notifies testers when new builds arrive and can install them automatically if TestFlight 3 or later is used. Special flows exist for different platforms (for example, tvOS public-link installs use a redemption code, and App Clips can be tested in place of the full app but not simultaneously). The service also accelerates subscription renewals during testing and provides controls for in-app content downloads and asset management.
Why it matters
- Centralized beta distribution streamlines developer feedback from real users across multiple Apple platforms.
- Device and OS criteria let developers target specific hardware or system versions for focused testing.
- Automatic updates reduce friction for testers receiving iterative builds and fixes.
- Time-limited builds (90 days) emphasize the temporary nature of beta testing and the need to update to App Store releases afterward.
- Accelerated subscription renewals help developers test subscription behavior in a compressed timeframe.
Key facts
- Testers join via an email invitation or a public link provided by the developer.
- A build is available for testing for up to 90 days from upload.
- iOS/iPadOS apps require devices running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or later; macOS apps require macOS 13 or later; tvOS requires tvOS 18 or later; visionOS requires visionOS 1 or later; watchOS requires watchOS 9 or later.
- You can install a beta app on up to 30 devices associated with your account.
- In-app purchases are free during beta testing but purchases made in beta do not carry over to the App Store version.
- TestFlight 3+ and later prompt testers to enable automatic updates so new beta builds install automatically; this setting applies to all new beta builds unless overridden at the app level.
- When testing an App Clip, it replaces the app on the device and some app data may be lost; you can reinstall the full app from TestFlight afterward.
- Subscription renewals are accelerated during testing: subscriptions renew daily up to six times within a one-week period, irrespective of their normal duration.
- Apple-Hosted Background Assets require iOS/iPadOS 26 or later and macOS 26 or later; Managed Background Assets require iOS/iPadOS 16 or later, macOS 13 or later, tvOS 18.5 or later, and visionOS 2.4 or later.
What to watch next
- Whether the app referenced in the headline (Microwave) will be offered via TestFlight or has specific tester criteria: not confirmed in the source.
- Any developer-set device or OS restrictions for particular betas or public link availability: check invitations for details.
- Potential changes to supported OS minimums or platform-specific flows in future TestFlight updates: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- TestFlight: Apple’s service for distributing and managing beta builds of apps and App Clips to testers on Apple platforms.
- Build: A packaged version of an app uploaded by a developer for testing; each build is available to testers for a limited time.
- Public link: A shareable URL developers can provide so testers can join a beta without an individual email invitation, subject to any developer-set criteria.
- App Clip: A lightweight part of an app that lets users try specific functionality without installing the full app; in TestFlight, App Clips and full apps cannot be tested simultaneously.
- Automatic updates: A TestFlight setting that lets the service install the latest available beta builds automatically on a tester’s device.
Reader FAQ
How long is a beta build available in TestFlight?
Each build is available for testing for up to 90 days from the day the developer uploads it.
Do in-app purchases carry over from beta to App Store versions?
In-app purchases are free during beta testing, and purchases made during testing will not carry over to App Store versions.
How many devices can I use to test a beta app?
You can install a beta app on up to 30 devices associated with your account.
Is Microwave available via TestFlight?
not confirmed in the source
Testing Apps with TestFlight Help developers test beta versions of their apps and App Clips using the TestFlight app. Download TestFlight on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple…
Sources
- Show HN: Microwave – Native iOS app for videos on ATproto
- Using TestFlight with multiple devices?
- How to make App available for beta tester in Testflight
- TestFlight
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