Install iPA Over-the-Air-Dropbox

How do we test an iOS build, be it for individual(s) or groups?

One answer to this is to distribute the build through TestFlight. But it would take time and effort. (ref. https://testflight.apple.com/)

There are other sources where you can upload an iPA and your client will be able to download it using the link generated. Eg: http://www.diwai.com or http://www.testflightapp.com

These open sources, however, are not safe as they are mostly public servers.

Is there another answer? Another way?

Yes, there is. Over-the-Air Installation provided by Apple. Over the Air (OTA) is a method of wirelessly distributing an application and/or its updates to end- users. This blog aims to be a primer about the little-known concept by introducing the basic dropbox setup which enables to distribute iPA through OTA.

Create a Dropbox account and then follow the steps below:

1. Upload “ProjectName.ipa” to your dropbox account. Copy the URL of uploaded ipa.
   E.g.“https://www.dropbox.com/s/3js0iqs8prb/ProjectName.ipa?dl=0”
2. Edit the copied url by changing it from “https://www.dropbox.com/s/3js0iqs8prb/ProjectName.ipa?dl=0” to “https://dl.dropbox.com/s/3js0iqs8prb/ProjectName.ipa”.
3. Open “ProjectName.plist” and paste the above url.

Note: “ProjectName.plist” here is different from “info.plist”. It is generated when we select over the air install for creating an ipa . The copied URL needs to be added in the file “manifest.plist’. The same “manifest.plist” is renamed as “ProjectName.plist” and the same can be used for future builds, if the URL is same.

Note: Select over-the-air install while creating an ipa. When finished, “manifest.plist” will be there along with “ProjectName.ipa” and other files in the folder.

4. Upload the “ProjectName.plist” to your dropbox folder and copy the URL. E.g.“https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ntfuxah/ProjectName.plist?dl=0”.

5. Repeat Step 2. Change URL to: “https://dl.dropbox.com/s/8ntfuxah/ProjectName.plist”.

6. Append this URL to “itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=” Now it should look something like: “itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://dl.dropbox.com/s/8ntfuxah/ProjectName.plist”.

7. Time to test the above URL. Copy-paste the URL in a browser and see a pop up with the option to install the app.

Note: It is possible that the OTA link is not detected as an actual ‘itms-services’ link when received via Skype or any other communication platform. You will merely be redirected to a ‘https’ page. In this case, you will have to copy-paste the entire URL in a browser window.

If you have any concerns about security you can create a local host to upload builds and share to registered devices solely for testing. Set the local host and follow the steps:

1. Upload ProjectName.ipa to localhost server. Copy link.
2. Open ProjectName.plist. Paste the above url(stated above in point 3).
3. Copy ProjectName.plist URL.
4. Append this URL to“itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=” and it would look something like “itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://localhost/ProjectName.plist”.

So you see, installing app via an OTA is a simple process. Just tap the OTA link and open it. iOS will present you with the name of the application which is bundled with the provided link. The app will be installed or updated (if already installed).

Go ahead! Install your app and Test it! :)