TestFlight redesign in iOS 18 offers descriptions, targeted beta testing and more

Apple is set to bring significant changes to its TestFlight app, as revealed during WWDC 2024. TestFlight, a critical tool for developers to test their apps, is undergoing a redesign to enhance user experience and provide more robust features for developers.

The redesigned TestFlight app will feature a new invitation experience that prominently displays key information about the app being tested. This includes the app name and icon, screenshots, developer name, build expiration date, and a detailed app description. This is a significant improvement over the current interface, which offers limited app data and assumes testers are already familiar with the app’s functionality.

The new TestFlight design closely mirrors the layout of the App Store, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. By showcasing app descriptions and screenshots, testers will have a clearer understanding of the app’s purpose and features before testing. This familiarity aims to streamline the testing process and improve quality of feedback.

One of the standout features of the new TestFlight is the introduction of Tester Criteria. This allows developers to specify which testers can access their beta apps based on criteria such as device type and iOS version. This targeted approach enables more precise testing and ensures that the app is tested under conditions that closely mimic the intended user environment. This feature is available for both private invitations and public TestFlight links.

Apple is also enhancing App Store Connect with better insights into the performance of public TestFlight links. Developers can now track traffic and user engagement with these links, providing valuable data to optimize their beta testing process.

Additionally, a new Nominations option in App Store Connect allows developers to inform the App Store Editorial Team about new content for an App Store feature consideration. This includes alerts when an app gets featured, complete with marketing assets for social media promotion.

While Apple has not specified an exact release date for the revamped TestFlight app, it is expected to launch alongside iOS 18 this fall. Given that iOS 18 is currently in beta, the new TestFlight features are likely to be available to developers and testers by the end of the summer or early autumn.