Upload & Release
Build an iOS IPA
Build an iOS IPA with Xcode in a way that uploads cleanly to Pgyer and installs on test devices.
An IPA is the installer format for iOS apps (.ipa). Whether it installs correctly after uploading comes down to how it's packaged and signed. This page walks through building an IPA with Xcode that's suitable for distribution through Pgyer.
Prerequisites
- An active Apple Developer account (individual, company, or enterprise).
- A signing certificate and Provisioning Profile configured for that account.
Comparing Build Methods
| Method | Command / Entry Point | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Xcode | Product → Archive | Day-to-day development; the GUI flow is easier to follow |
| Command line | xcodebuild exportArchive -exportFormat ipa | CI/CD or other automated build pipelines |
The rest of this page covers the Xcode flow.
Build with Xcode
- In Xcode, set the build target to
iOS Device. - Choose Product → Archive and wait for the archive to finish.
- The resulting archive appears in Xcode's Organizer.
- On the archive details screen, click Distribute App.
- Click Next. Xcode attaches the test-device signing info and exports the IPA.
Pick the Right Certificate Type
In the next dialog, pick the certificate that matches your Apple Developer account type:
| Developer Account Type | Certificate Type |
|---|---|
| Individual or Company Apple Developer ($99) | Ad Hoc |
| Enterprise Apple Developer ($299) | Enterprise |
Don't pick iOS App Store. That type is only for submitting to the App Store for review and can't be installed through Pgyer.