Apple Certificates,Identifiers,Devices, Profiles and keys
In this lesson we will try to cover all the topics related to apple developer account(as shown in above image).Like there’s a lot of article available on internet regarding this but we want to make them available on one place with some extra information.We will try to cover this in 3–4 parts.Because it will not possible to cover this in one story.So let’s jump on the topic
What is Certificate:-
An iOS developer certificate is a code-signing certificate, a digital signature that associates you and your digital identity with your applications.
Why do we need certificate:-
In order to install application on our physical device for testing ,distribute it to the testers and for distributed on app store we need certificate.
Difference between development and distribution certificate
We use development certificate when we want to install the applications using Xcode — mostly when developing.
Distribution certificates are required when we want to put an app on the App Store or when we want to send an AdHoc build to testers (which they can install themselves without using Xcode).
Types of Certificates
- Apple Development Certificates :- This certificate is used for development purpose only.This supports all the OS application (iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps).We can create maximum of 12 certificates of it on $99 membership program.
Note:- We can’t make app live using this certificate.
2. Apple Distribution Certificates :- This certificate is used for distribution purpose only.This supports all the OS application (iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps).We can create maximum of 3 certificates of it on $99 membership program.
Note:- We can’t use this for development.
1 and 2 Certificates can be used for Xcode 11 and later.
3. iOS App Development :- This certificate is used for development purpose only. We used this when we want our application for Xcode earlier version than 11.
4. iOS Distribution (App Store and Ad Hoc) :-This certificate is used for distribution purpose only.We used this when we want our application for Xcode earlier version than 11.
Question that may come in your mind:-
Q1.What is the difference between App Store Distribution or for Ad Hoc distribution
Ad-Hoc Distribution: Distribution builds of an app, which can be installed on 100 devices designated by the developer on his provisioning portal. The distribution mechanism can be websites, mails or OTA. These type of builds are generally for beta testing or demos.You distribute your app by providing the .ipa file for users to install on their devices.You can use diawi for that as well.Here’s the link
App-store Distribution: Distribution builds that are intended for general public(for sale). The distribution mechanism is App store only.Like we want to make our app live on app store.
Important things to remember :-
- We can’t upload apps on testflight using development certificate.We need distribution certificate for that.
2. Previously Appstore Distribution and Ad-Hoc certificate were different.Now apple combined them and made one certificate for both the use cases.
This section is not completed we will add some more information soon.
