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How to Rollback to An Older Version of an App Without Building from Sourcesby@micci
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How to Rollback to An Older Version of an App Without Building from Sources

by Misha K.July 5th, 2023
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Mobile apps continually evolve with consistent updates that introduce new features, enhance performance, or resolve bugs. However, sometimes these updates can trigger unexpected issues, or users might prefer an older version's functionality. This situation demands the ability to test older versions of an app.
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In today's blog post, we'll delve into an essential aspect of the mobile application realm: Testing Older Production Versions of an App.


Mobile apps continually evolve with consistent updates that introduce new features, enhance performance, or resolve bugs. However, sometimes these updates can trigger unexpected issues, or users might prefer an older version's functionality. This situation demands the ability to test older versions of an app.

Context

Your only option is to take a build from TestFlight if you might not have been able to build it from sources. But the signature of a particular version might be stale for the moment. After 90 days, the build will vanish and be unavailable on the TestFlight.

Expired builds (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/)

Rolling Back to Older App Versions with Resigning

You are in luck if you have a copy of that version saved on your local computer. You can simply distribute an archive to the App Store Connect and use the build for another 90 days.


Xcode -> Window -> Organizer

  1. Click on Distribute App in the Organizer window. This will start the process of preparing your app for distribution. Select App Store Connect the distribution destination then select Upload.

  2. Make sure the Manage Version and Build Number option is selected.

  3. Wait until the archive has finished uploading.

Fast forward 5 to 10 minutes

The build will be available for your testers.

The new build will be available for another 90 days (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/)


In the following article, we will discover how to roll back to previous App Store-published versions without resigning or needing to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.


I hope you found this article beneficial. Share it with fellow developers and anyone you think might gain from this information. Until next time!