Good day, I want to know if I'm able to install an app without releasing to app store. This app was created as an admin app for myself, to control some data of the public app. There's no functionality for the public. Is it possible to do it without compromising the code or credentials of the admin? I mean... to install only in my device without listing in App Store? But I need it to be in production mode.. not developer. Thank you or your kind consideration. Let me know if you have some ways to do this.
Installing an App on a single device, no app store
Thanks for the post.
You can just compile the app and press play to install into your device. If you don't mind plugging your phone into your Mac is the most private and lowest-maintenance route
https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/running-your-app-in-simulator-or-on-a-device
However, since you need it to run in "production mode" and you want to keep your code and credentials secure, Ad Hoc distribution allows you to export a production-ready version of your app.
You register your iPhone/iPad's unique identifier (UDID) in your Apple Developer account. When you build the app, you create an Ad Hoc provisioning profile that includes your device. You can install the resulting .ipa file directly onto your device by plugging it into your Mac and dragging the file into your device via Finder, or by using the Apple Configurator app.
TestFlight is for beta testing. While it is associated with App Store Connect, Internal Testing, and the app remains completely hidden from the public. You upload the archived app to App Store Connect, but instead of submitting it to the App Store, you add your own Apple ID to the Internal Testers list. I believe TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. You would need to upload a new build to App Store Connect to keep using it.
If you don't mind plugging your phone into your Mac is the most private and lowest-maintenance route. If you prefer the convenience of installing updates over the air and don't mind uploading a new build every 90 days.
Hope this helps decide what option to go with.
Albert Worldwide Developer Relations.