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How to Generate iOS Release Apps

Introduction #

Creating a Release App for iOS is easy with the Learndash App’s cloud-based build system. Release builds are fully packaged IPAs ready for submission to TestFlight and the Apple App Store, including your branding, site configuration, and any custom code.

This guide walks you through creating an iOS Release App, uploading it to App Store Connect, inviting testers, and installing it via TestFlight—no Xcode required.

  • Use Test Apps for daily testing and development.
  • Use Release Apps for App Store submission and accurate In-App Purchase testing.

When to Use a Release App vs. Test App #

  • Test App
     Ideal for daily QA and development. Installable via QR code. In-App Purchases show placeholder pricing.
  • Release App
     Required for App Store submission and testing real In-App Purchase prices and terms. Apple links these to your Release App’s Bundle ID.

Creating an iOS Release App Build #

  1. Go to WordPress Admin > Learndash App > Builds
  2. Click Request Build
  1. Select iOS under Platform and Release App for Build Type
  2. Click Next, review your settings, then click Send Build Request
  1. Wait 15–60 minutes while the build is created (use Recheck Status Now to refresh)

Downloading the IPA File #

  1. Once complete, go to Build History
  2. Click Install on IOS Device > Download IPA File on your new Release build card.
  1. Save the IPA to your computer for upload to App Store Connect

Uploading to App Store Connect (TestFlight) #

  1. Go to Learndash App > Upload > Apple App Store
  2. Choose your generated Release Build
  3. Click Upload Build
     (Make sure this app exists in your App Store Connect account)
  4. After ~15 minutes, your build appears in TestFlight

Adding Testers in TestFlight #

  1. Log in to App Store Connect > Users and Access > People
  2. Click + to invite each tester by their Apple ID email
  3. Assign any role (e.g., Developer) and select your app
  4. Go to My Apps > [Your App] > TestFlight > Internal Testing > Testers > + and add them

Installing via TestFlight #

  1. Ask testers to install the TestFlight app from the App Store
  2. They’ll receive an invitation and see your app listed
  3. Tap Install, then Open to test the Release App

Now they’ll see real In-App Purchase pricing and app behavior as it would appear post-publish.

Uploading New Release Builds #

Any time you update app settings or code:

  1. Request a new Release Build
  2. Upload it again via Learndash App > Upload Build > Apple App Store
  3. Testers will receive an update notification in TestFlight

Troubleshooting and FAQs #

Q: Why do In-App Purchases still show placeholder prices?
 A: You’re likely using a Test App. Only Release Apps via TestFlight show real pricing.

Q: My Release build isn’t showing in TestFlight.
 A: Ensure the build was uploaded to the correct App Store Connect app, and the build number is unique.

Q: Testers can’t see the app in TestFlight.
 A: Confirm they’ve accepted your invitation under Users and Access and are added under Internal Testing.

Q: I made changes in GitHub—do I need a new build?
 A: Yes, request a new Release App build to include the latest customizations.

Q: Can I use the Release App for both testing and submission?
 A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s properly tested via TestFlight before submitting to Apple.

Updated on September 23, 2025