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Apple updates TestFlight app with support for testing native Watch apps and iOS 9 App Thinning

Apple is now allowing developers to test more iOS 9 features with an update to its beta distribution app TestFlight. The updated version enables developers to test faster, native watchOS 2 apps for Apple Watch, including newly gained access to more sensors and custom watch face complications. The update also lets developers test some iOS 9 features like App Thinning, which allows users to download larger chunks of apps as needed to preserve local storage, for the first time.

Apple highlights the added support for iOS 9 app distribution in the latest version of its TestFlight app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Apple has also added app-specific notification support in the new TestFlight update:

What’s New in Version 1.2.0

This update adds support for testing upcoming iOS 9 features — including watchOS 2 apps and App Thinning.

Testers can now choose how to receive update notifications for each app they are testing. Also, watchOS 2 beta apps will install automatically when the “Automatic Downloads” setting is turned on in the Apple Watch app.

Minor stability and performance improvements.

Developers and testers can update to the latest version of TestFlight for iOS via the App Store. While the update adds support for iOS 9 features and watchOS 2 apps, testing is still be limited to smaller, internal groups and not external test groups yet. Both iOS 9 and watchOS 2 are due out for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch later this fall.

Update: Apple has sent developers an email which clarifies that today’s TestFlight update does not yet extend to support external test groups; developer testing has also produced in this conclusion.

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Comments

  1. Paul Van Obberghen - 9 years ago

    Something I have been long wondering is why can’t we run our iOS apps on our MacOS X devices? On most MacBooks, this would be just fine. I may have my doubts about Windows 10 apps running on all Windows devices, but still, there something to be desired about that. Surely, I can’t be the only one wondering…

    • PhilBoogie - 9 years ago

      Most likely because the apps weren’t created for OSX. We have apps design for keyboard and mouse input, iOS is using multitouch, and its hardware is designed for that. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to run apps designed for multitouch but using a mouse for input. Makes zero sense.

    • zomer86 - 9 years ago

      Because it’s made for mobile. Are you blind or stupid?

      • PhilBoogie - 9 years ago

        No need for personal attacks. Simply state your opinion on why you think his idea is a bad one so we can all get along with each other. Thank you.

    • Arminder (@AS67881) - 9 years ago

      Mac OS X would need an ARM Compatibility layer for iOS apps to have the compatibility because iOS Apps use the ARM/ARM64 Architecture. We also need instructions to convert multitouch inputs to Keyboard and Mouse

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.