Distribute iOS Application without an Apple Developer Account

15
votes

As far as I know, an iOS Application can be distributed in the following ways

  1. Via App Store
  2. Using TestFlight
  3. Using HockeyApp or something similar
  4. Sharing the .ipa file

But all the above require enrolling in the Apple Developer Program. I can test the app on my device using my apple id but I alse need to share my app with a couple of personal friends(testers). Is there any way to share an iOS application without enrolling in the Apple Developer Program?

Thanks.

3
iosiphonexcodeios-provisioning
No but you can test it in online via virtual devices – karthikeyan
Could you point me to any such platform available online? – Ranganatha Rao
check here: stackoverflow.com/questions/43181568/… – karthikeyan
Generating an ipa file requires you to be enrolled in the Developer Program. – Ranganatha Rao
No need there is lot of way to take ipa file – karthikeyan

3 Answers

7
votes

Have the tester remote into your machine and share the USB. Apple is none the wiser. I have windows 7 running High Sierra via virtual box. I share the USB from Windows to Mac. I have my testers use a program like Team Viewer, which allows them to share their iPhone USB with me(not sure if it works with the mac version, so I daisy-chain USB sharing)

So it goes: Tester<---[TeamViewer]--->Windows Machine---[VirtualBox]--->Mac OSX

5
votes

Well, Legally you can't do that, apple hasn't provided this till now and i guess they never will be, you have to enrol in Apple Developer account to test upto in 100 devices in Development and as production with adHoc mode through IPA.

Thanks

-4
votes

Check the accepted answer at, Test iOS app on device without apple developer program or jailbreak.

The Xcode 7, now allows you to deploy your apps on any of your devices, simply by logging in with your Apple ID. You will no longer need a paid Program membership to deploy apps on your own device.