Earlier today, Apple informed developers that the beta version of TestFlight for Mac is now available and can be used to test Mac apps. In case you don’t know what TestFlight is, here is it!! TestFlight is an online service for over-the-air installation and testing of mobile applications, currently owned by Apple Inc and only offered to developers within the iOS Developer Program.
Registered developers can download the TestFlight for Mac beta and can use the app to test their own apps and apps from other developers on macOS Monterey beta 5. Developers can also invite other registered Apple developers to download this beta version and use it to test your apps on macOS Monterey beta 5. TestFlight for Mac, just the like TestFlight for iOS which has been in available to developers for years, will make it simple for developers to test beta versions of macOS apps prior to their release.
Apple says that when using this version of TestFlight on macOS Monterey beta 5 or earlier, users will need to quit the beta version of a native Mac app before updating it, as the system will offer a prompt to quit before updating. Voice Over is also not fully functional in the TestFlight beta.
Apple is soliciting feedback from developers on TestFlight for Mac through its Feedback Assistant available in macOS Monterey. TestFlight for Mac is available for download on the Apple Developer portal and requires a Mac running macOS Monterey. The TestFlight app is not available to non-developers at this time.
This is the latest step in a move that will make it easier for developers to share beta versions of their Mac apps with their testing pool, something that has been possible for iPhone and iPad app developers for years. The TestFlight expansion to Mac will also presumably mean distributing updates and release notes will be easier than ever, too.
