TestFlight, the Apple platform developers can use to distribute beta versions of their apps, just hit the Mac for the first time. It’s available only to developers for now, and it requires macOS Monterey.
Apple is also allowing developers to submit beta releases of their macOS apps to App Store Connect, which wasn’t possible before.
TestFlight was a third-party service when it first landed in late 2010, and it originally supported Android apps as well as those for iOS. The service made it easy for developers to offer early versions of their titles to the public.
The Android version of the app was killed in 2014, shortly after TestFlight was acquired by Apple. Since then, the platform has been available only on iOS and tvOS, but it is now making its way to Mac for the first time.
TestFlight arrives on Mac
Apple confirmed TestFlight would support macOS during its WWDC 2021 keynote back in June. Now a beta version of the app is available to those who have an Apple Developer account, and a Mac running macOS Monterey.
When TestFlight makes its official debut, which is expected to happen this fall after macOS Monterey rolls out to everyone, anyone will be able to download the app from the Mac App Store (after first updating to macOS 12).
However, to download beta versions of your favorite apps through the TestFlight platform, you’ll first need an invite or link from the app’s developer.
Developers can now submit their betas
Now that TestFlight has landed on Mac, albeit in beta for now, Apple is allowing developers to submit early versions of their apps to App Store Connect for testing. This wasn’t possible before TestFlight’s arrival.
One thing to note about this version of the TestFlight beta: Before you install an update for an app you’re testing, you first need to quit it. TestFlight will force it to quit otherwise, and any unsaved data will be lost.
