iOS Build & Deployment (TestFlight)

✅ Step 1: Check Version on TestFlight

Before starting a new build, always verify the current version already uploaded on TestFlight.

• Go to App Store Connect → TestFlight
• Check the latest build number & version
• This helps avoid version conflicts

👉 Why this matters:
Apple does not allow duplicate version/build numbers.

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✅ Step 2: Update Marketing Version

• Open your iOS project in Xcode
• Navigate to General → Identity
• Update:
  • Version (Marketing Version) → Match or increment from TestFlight
  • Build Number → Increase every time

👉 Example:
If TestFlight has 1.0 (5) → next should be 1.0 (6) or 1.1 (1)

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✅ Step 3: Update Environment Version

Update version inside your project config:

environment.ts

• Ensure app version matches your release version
• Helps in tracking builds internally

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✅ Step 4: Build Ionic iOS Project

Run the command:

npx ionic cap build ios --configuration <configuration>

👉 This will:

• Build Angular/Ionic app
• Sync with Capacitor
• Prepare Xcode project

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✅ Step 5: Archive & Distribute via Xcode

• Open project in Xcode
• Go to:
  • Product → Archive
• After build completes:
  • Click Distribute App
  • Choose:
    • App Store Connect
    • Upload
    • TestFlight Internal Testing

👉 Make sure:

• Certificates & provisioning profiles are correct
• No build errors or warnings

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✅ Step 6: Submit Build to TestFlight

• Go to App Store Connect → TestFlight
• Select your uploaded build
• Click Manage
• Select last option → Submit for Review

👉 After submission:

• Apple processes build (10–30 mins usually)
• Internal testers can access it

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🤖 Android Build & Deployment (Play Store)

✅ Step 1: Check Version in Play Console

• Go to Google Play Console
• Check:
  • Production version
  • Testing version

👉 Important fields:

• Version Code (must always increase)
• Version Name

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✅ Step 2: Update Version in Project

Update in:

🔹 build.gradle

versionCode 6
versionName "1.0.6"

🔹 Environment File

environment.ts

👉 Keep versions consistent across:

• App config
• Play Store

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✅ Step 3: Build Android App

Run:

npx ionic cap build android --configuration <configuration>

👉 This will:

• Generate Android project
• Sync latest code

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✅ Step 4: Generate Signed Bundle (AAB)

• Open project in Android Studio
• Go to:
  • Build → Generate Signed Bundle / APK
• Select:
  • Android App Bundle (AAB)

Follow steps:

• Select keystore
• Enter passwords
• Click:
  • Next → Next → Finish

👉 Final output:

• .aab file (used for Play Store)

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✅ Step 5: Upload Bundle to Play Store

• Go to Play Console
• Create new release
• Upload .aab file

Add:

• Release notes
• Version details

👉 Click:

• Save → Review → Submit

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Not updating version codes
• ❌ Mismatch between environment & build version
• ❌ Uploading debug builds instead of release
• ❌ Missing signing configurations
• ❌ Skipping TestFlight/Testing phase

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Author

Sagar Sidana
Software Engineer | Angular Developer | UI/UX Enthusiast

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