Apple updates its TestFlight app with iOS 9, WatchOS 2 features
With the official release of iOS 9 and WatchOS 2 continuing to creep closer, Apple has just updated its TestFlight app with some nice improvements.
Developers can now test out App Thinning in iOS 9. That feature will tailor the app download to better match a user’s specific iOS device using a minimum amount of space. That will probably be the most beneficial for users with an 8GB or 16GB iOS device, which is less than adequate these days.
For example, if you’re using an iPhone 5 with just a 32-bit A6 chip, the app won’t install information needed for 64-bit iPhones. You can read more about how exactly App Thinning works here.
Thanks to the update, developers will now also be able to test out native watch apps, a major feature in WatchOS 2.
Also, according to Apple, testers can choose how to receive update notifications for each app they are currently testing. Native apps in WatchOS 2 will install automatically when the Automatic Downloads setting is turned on in the Apple Watch app.
Developers can use the service to beta test their apps before officially releasing their titles on the App Store. Here at AppAdvice, we often use the service to try get scoops on the latest and greatest apps before they arrive to the public. Back in February, Apple unveiled a TestFlight groups feature to allow developers to more easily manage up to 1,000 beta testers.
The TestFlight app is universal and designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad/iPad mini. It can be downloaded now on the App Store for free.
