iOS Build & Deployment

Apple manages the provisioning and signing process for iOS apps through App Store Connect and an active Apple Developer account is required.

Key Aspects of iOS Build & Deployment

Building an iOS Binary (IPA)

An IPA is required to test and distribute your iOS app. If you have a paid Apple Developer account you can build an IPA directly in the Median App Studio, even if you don't have access to a Mac. You can build an IPA with a Distribution Provisioning Profile for automatic upload to App Store Connect for use with TestFlight or submission to the App Store. Or you can build with a Development Provisioning Profile to install your app on an iPhone using over-the-air deployment, as easily as scanning a QR code - useful for quick testing cycles early in the development process.

📖 Learn more: Building an iOS Binary (IPA)

Building iOS from Source

Building an iOS app from source is optional. It requires a local macOS development environment with the latest release version of Xcode installed and properly configured. Use this path when you need to inspect or modify native iOS source code directly. For normal App Store launch workflows, you can build in Median App Studio and upload to App Store Connect without Xcode.

📖 Learn more: Build iOS from Source

Troubleshooting Common Xcode Issues

If you choose the optional path of building iOS from source, Xcode often presents challenges such as build errors, provisioning profile issues, and dependency conflicts. Understanding how to resolve these common problems can save time and streamline your development workflow. Most launches don’t require Xcode at all, since you can build your IPA in Median App Studio and upload it directly to App Store Connect.

📖 Learn more: Common Xcode Issues

Uploading to TestFlight for Beta Testing

TestFlight enables you to easily distribute your app to stakeholders for on-device testing prior to public release to the Apple App Store. With Upload to App Store Connect set to Automatic, a distribution IPA built in Median App Studio is delivered to App Store Connect and can be added to TestFlight after Apple processes the build.

📖 Learn more: Upload iOS to TestFlight

Uploading to the Apple App Store

For self-publishing, connect your Apple Developer account through the App Store Connect API, set Upload to App Store Connect to Automatic, build your iOS IPA in Median App Studio, test it in TestFlight, and submit the processed build for App Review in App Store Connect. Apple Transporter and Xcode source builds remain available as manual alternatives.

📖 Learn more: Upload iOS to Apple App Store