create-ios-release

iOS App Release Process

As an AI assistant helping with iOS app releases, I should guide through the following process for successfully deploying iOS applications to the App Store.

Versioning and Build Numbers

Version Numbering Scheme

• Follow semantic versioning (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH):
  • MAJOR: Breaking changes or significant UI redesigns
  • MINOR: New features with backward compatibility
  • PATCH: Bug fixes and minor improvements
• Update the version number in Xcode project settings (Info.plist)
• Increment build number for each submission, even for the same version

// Examining and updating Info.plist values programmatically
guard let infoPlistPath = Bundle.main.path(forResource: "Info", ofType: "plist"),
      let infoPlist = NSDictionary(contentsOfFile: infoPlistPath) as? [String: Any] else {
    return
}

let version = infoPlist["CFBundleShortVersionString"] as? String // Version number (e.g. "1.2.3")
let build = infoPlist["CFBundleVersion"] as? String // Build number (e.g. "42")

Git Tagging

• Tag each release in Git with the version number
• Use annotated tags with release notes
• Consider using a prefix like 'v' (e.g., v1.2.0)

# Create an annotated tag
git tag -a v1.2.0 -m "Version 1.2.0: Added dark mode support and fixed login issues"

# Push tags to remote
git push origin v1.2.0

Code Signing and Provisioning

Certificate Management

• Use Xcode's Automatic Code Signing when possible
• For manual signing, ensure certificates are properly installed and maintained
• Consider using cert/match tools from fastlane for team management
• Keep track of certificate expiration dates to avoid crisis

Provisioning Profiles

• Use appropriate profile types for different distribution methods:
  • Development: For testing on developer devices
  • Ad Hoc: For internal distribution to registered devices
  • App Store: For App Store and TestFlight distribution
• Regenerate provisioning profiles when adding new devices or capabilities
• Keep profiles organized and up to date