Ad Hoc Distribution, what’s that?

When YARG are developing Apps for clients we allow them to test the App before it’s submitted to the iTunes App Store.   Apple call this process Ad Hoc Distribution and they allow you to distribute your test App file to up to 100 devices.

So how do you get the App onto you iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?

Well the first thing we need to do is to get the unique ID for each test device so we can build a version of the App against those IDs.  The easiest way to get the ID is to download one of the many free Apps out there.  We have our own App, ‘My Device ID’, which is available in the App Store.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id387384954?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

All you have to do is simply tap App Icon on your device.  The App will load up and it will automatically create an email containing the ID that we need.  Please just then send the email off to your YARG contact.

Ok a new version of the App has been built, how do I install it?

 One of our account managers will send you two files:

  • The .zip file for the application (usually AppName.app.zip)
  • The .mobileprovision file for the application (usually something.mobileProvision)



To install the App you will need to first connect your device to the version of iTunes you normally Sync with and then follow the instructions below:

  • Open up iTunes
  • Drag-and-drop the .mobileprovision file into Library -> Applications in iTunes.
  • Unzip the .zip file and you will see a AppName.app folder
  • Drag-and-drop the AppName.app folder into into Library -> Applications in iTunes.
  • In iTunes, select your Device under Devices, choose the Application tab and make sure that your new Application is checked under the Sync options.
  • Sync the device and your new App should be installed on the device.

 

If we send you another App to test we would recommend that you delete the old version from your device first and then repeat the above steps.  Also the above process is the same whether you’re a YARG customer or not.

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