Apple acquired TestFlight maker Burtsly last year and quickly added it to iOS in an effort to improve the iOS beta testing experience for both developers and testers. Now Apple plans to close the independent site TestFlightapp.com to Android users and everyone else, forcing iPhone and iPad owners to only test apps through the official TestFlight iOS app.
@MartinSFP just received the email from testflight pic.twitter.com/SwudvaAdpR
— Roman Khafizianov (@requilence) January 26, 2015
In an email sent out to users today, TestFlight says the services offered at TestFlightApp.com will no longer be available after February 26, 2015. TestFlight has advised users to apps on the older version won’t be ported to the new TestFlight, so developers will need to setup their apps anew in iTunes Connect.
Since acquiring Burstly, Apple allowed TestFlightapp.com to run as a separate service from the TestFlight beta app. iOS beta testers won’t be without alternative options though. Microsoft-owned Hockey app also allows users to install beta apps on iOS and Android.
All apps built with the TestFlight SDK should function as normal, but in an FAQ published on the Burstly’s website the company recommends removing the TestFlight SDK from future builds. If you are currently beta testing an app with TestFlightapp.com, developers will need to export your contact information into iTunes Connect to allow you to continue testing the newest builds.
Source: TestFlight