Choose an iOS build by its distribution purpose
An iOS build is not interchangeable across Simulator, registered-device testing, TestFlight, and App Store delivery. The signing and provisioning must match the intended destination.
| Purpose | Runs where | Typical requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Simulator | Simulator on a compatible Mac | Simulator-compatible build and AppFromWeb Mac preview agent; not an iPhone-installable IPA. |
| Development IPA | Eligible registered test devices | Development certificate, matching provisioning profile, bundle ID, and device registration. |
| Ad Hoc IPA | Devices included in the Ad Hoc profile | Distribution signing, matching profile, bundle ID, and registered device identifiers. |
| TestFlight | Testers through Apple’s TestFlight workflow | Eligible Apple Developer account, App Store Connect app record, distribution signing, upload, and processing. |
| App Store | Public or approved store distribution | Validated production build, listing and privacy information, submission, and Apple review. |
Start with Simulator, then prove device behavior
Simulator is useful for early layout, navigation, and workflow review. It does not prove physical-device signing, camera behavior, push-notification delivery, real network transitions, or every platform integration.
When moving to a device build, keep the bundle identifier consistent and select signing material created for that exact distribution purpose.
TestFlight is a lifecycle, not merely a file type
A successful archive or upload is only one step. App Store Connect processing, tester configuration, compliance information, build selection, review where applicable, and expiry all affect TestFlight availability. Production submission is another controlled stage after testing.
AppFromWeb recommendation
- Validate the website on a narrow iPhone-sized viewport.
- Run the Apple Simulator preview.
- Choose Development or Ad Hoc only when physical-device testing is required and the matching Apple assets exist.
- Use TestFlight for broader managed testing.
- Request App Store production submission only after product, privacy, listing, and approval checks are complete.