The testing tracks
| Apple TestFlight | Google Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal testing | Up to 100 App Store Connect users, available minutes after upload, no review | Internal testing track: up to 100 testers by email, available almost immediately |
| External / closed testing | Up to 10,000 testers via public link or email; first build needs a short beta review | Closed testing: email lists or Google Groups; mandatory 12 testers × 14 days for new personal accounts |
| Open testing | n/a (public TestFlight link counts as external) | Open testing: anyone can join from the store listing |
| Build expiry | 90 days | No expiry |
| Feedback | Screenshots and comments through the TestFlight app | Private feedback channel in the Play Console |
A beta week for a WebViewGold app
Upload once, test for seven days, fix, submit.
Upload the builds
Xcode or Cloud Builder → App Store Connect; Android Studio or Cloud Builder → Play Console internal track. Fill in "What to test" with 3 to 5 concrete tasks.
Invite testers
Your Discord, subreddit, X followers, newsletter. TestFlight public link plus the Play opt-in link in one message. For Google, these testers double as your 12 closed-test testers.
Test the native parts
Push permission timing and delivery, offline screen in airplane mode, login (Google, Apple, magic link), deep links from emails, back button on Android, iPad layout, share sheet, file uploads and camera.
Collect feedback in one place
A form or a channel; TestFlight screenshots arrive in App Store Connect. Fix web-side issues immediately (they ship instantly) and batch native fixes into one new build.
Submit
Promote the same build to production on both stores. TestFlight builds can be submitted directly; the Play closed-test release can be promoted.
Things beta testers find in web-wrapped apps
- Fixed headers hidden behind the notch: add safe-area padding in your CSS.
- Links that should open in the browser opening in the app, or vice versa: adjust WebViewGold's URL handling rules.
- Downloads that do nothing: enable the WebViewGold downloader for PDFs and images.
- Slow first load: enable the splash screen and loading indicator, check your backend's cold start.
- Pull-to-refresh missing where users expect it: enable it in WebViewGold.
Frequently asked questions
Does TestFlight require App Store review?
Internal testing does not. External testing (public link) requires a short beta review of the first build, typically within a day.
Can testers use the app for free after launch?
TestFlight builds expire after 90 days; testers then install the store version. On Google Play, testers can keep using the testing track.
Is beta testing mandatory?
Only Google's closed test for new personal accounts. Everything else is optional, but a week of testing is cheaper than a rejection cycle.