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Native Build Types

There are a few different types of builds you can choose for each platform (iOS, Android) that have different characteristics and requirements.

Android Build Types

Debug

Debug type Android builds do not require any signing certificates or signing certificates and can be sideloaded directly onto Android devices.

Release

Release type Android builds are required if you want to release the .aab on the Google Play Store. They require creating android signing certificates and uploading them to a Production type Appflow signing certificate.

Custom

You can also specify a custom build type. Appflow supports Android build variants for certain mobile architectures.

iOS Build Types

Simulator

Building with a simulator type allows your app to run on an iOS simulator. This build type generates an .app file. Simulator type iOS builds do not require a signing certificate or provisioning profile.

To open, unzip the downloaded binary and drag the app file onto an open iOS simulator.

Opening a Simulator Build

Development

Code Signing with a development type builds allows your app to run on device through Xcode. Development type iOS builds require generating signing certificates and a provisioning profile using:

  • iOS App Development provisioning profile
  • Apple or iOS App Development signing certificate

and should be stored in a Development type Appflow signing certificate.

Ad Hoc

Code Signing with a Ad Hoc type builds allows you to distribute your app to devices specified in the provisioning profile, and are also needed in order to test push notifications. Ad Hoc type iOS builds require generating signing certificates and a provisioning profile using:

  • Distribution Ad Hoc provisioning profile
  • Apple or iOS Distribution signing certificate

and should be stored in a Production type Appflow signing certificate.

App Store

Code Signing with a App Store type builds allows you to distribute you app using Testflight and the App Store. App Store type iOS builds require generating signing certificates and a provisioning profile using:

  • Distribution App Store provisioning profile
  • Apple or iOS Distribution signing certificate

and should be stored in a Production type Appflow signing certificate.

Enterprise

note

Enterprise iOS builds are only available on certain plans and require you to have an Apple Developer Enterprise Account. Please contact us if you require this feature.

Code Signing with Enterprise type builds allows you to distribute your app to devices outside the App Store if you are building apps for internal use and distribution. Enterprise type iOS builds require generating signing certificates and a provisioning profile using:

  • iOS distribution provisioning profile
  • iOS production signing certificate

and should be stored in a Production type Appflow signing certificate.