TestFlight Upload

This recipe demonstrates how to build your iOS app and upload it directly to TestFlight for beta testing. It includes signing setup, archive creation, and automated upload to Apple’s TestFlight service.

Complete YAML with Fastlane

Using Fastlane (recommended, handles signing automatically):

name: TestFlight Deploy
platform: ios
environment:
  xcode: "16.4"

triggers:
  - push

steps:
  - name: Install gems
    run: bundle install

  - name: Install pods
    run: pod install

  - name: Build and deploy
    run: fastlane beta

Complete YAML with Manual Archive & Export

If you prefer manual xcodebuild commands with auto-generated ExportOptions.plist:

name: TestFlight Deploy Manual
platform: ios
environment:
  xcode: "16.4"

triggers:
  - push

steps:
  - name: Install pods
    run: pod install

  - name: Create Archive
    run: |
      xcodebuild archive \
        -workspace MyApp.xcworkspace \
        -scheme MyApp \
        -configuration Release \
        -archivePath $PWD/build/MyApp.xcarchive \
        -destination 'generic/platform=iOS'

  - name: Export IPA
    run: |
      xcodebuild -exportArchive \
        -archivePath $PWD/build/MyApp.xcarchive \
        -exportPath $PWD/build \
        -exportOptionsPlist $RH_EXPORT_OPTIONS_PLIST

  - name: Upload to TestFlight
    run: |
      xcrun altool --upload-app \
        --file $PWD/build/MyApp.ipa \
        --type ios \
        --apiKey $APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY_ID \
        --apiIssuer $APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_ISSUER_ID

The $RH_EXPORT_OPTIONS_PLIST variable is automatically generated by RunnerHub when auto-sign is enabled, eliminating the need to manually create or maintain an ExportOptions.plist file.

Required Environment Variables

You must configure the following environment variables for TestFlight deployment:

APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY — Your App Store Connect API key (base64 encoded)
APP_STORE_CONNECT_ISSUER_ID — Your issuer ID from App Store Connect

Typical Fastfile Configuration

Your fastlane/Fastfile should include a beta lane:

default_platform(:ios)

platform :ios do
  desc "Build and upload to TestFlight"
  lane :beta do
    build_app(
      workspace: "MyApp.xcworkspace",
      scheme: "MyApp",
      configuration: "Release",
      derived_data_path: "build/DerivedData",
      destination: "generic/platform=iOS",
      archive_path: "build/MyApp.xcarchive"
    )

    upload_to_testflight(
      api_key_path: ENV["APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY"],
      skip_waiting_for_build_processing: true
    )
  end
end