Release Channels ​

Release channels in SideStore Connect allow you to organize and distribute iOS and iPadOS apps through the SideStore platform. There are three main release channels available: "stable," "beta," and "nightly." Each channel serves a specific purpose and provides different levels of app stability and testing. This documentation will guide you through the features and recommended usage of each release channel.

Stable ​

The stable channel is intended for production-ready apps that have undergone thorough testing and quality assurance. Apps in the stable channel are considered reliable and stable, ensuring a smooth user experience. This channel is ideal for widely used apps, as it provides a high level of confidence in terms of functionality and performance.

Recommended Usage: ​

• Publish your app to the stable channel once it has been thoroughly tested and is ready for public use.
• This channel is suitable for apps that do not require frequent updates or experimental features.
• Users who prefer stability and reliability over bleeding-edge features should install apps from the stable channel.

Beta ​

The beta channel is designed for apps that are still in development but have reached a reasonably stable state. This channel allows you to gather feedback from a select group of users before releasing the app to a wider audience. Beta testing helps identify potential issues and gather valuable user input to improve the app's quality.

Recommended Usage: ​

• Distribute pre-release versions of your app to a limited number of users for testing and feedback.
• Collect valuable insights, bug reports, and suggestions to refine your app before releasing it to the stable channel.
• Users who are willing to provide feedback and participate in testing can install apps from the beta channel.

Nightly ​

The nightly channel is the most experimental release channel, meant for developers and advanced users who want to access the latest features and enhancements. Apps in the nightly channel are often built and released on a daily basis, incorporating the most recent changes from the development process. However, these apps may contain bugs and instability, as they have not undergone extensive testing.

Recommended Usage: ​

• This channel is primarily intended for developers and power users who want to stay at the forefront of app updates and test bleeding-edge features.
• Developers can use the nightly channel to release frequent updates and receive feedback quickly.
• Users who are comfortable with potential instability, bugs, and unfinished features can install apps from the nightly channel.

By utilizing the stable, beta, and nightly release channels in SideStore Connect, you can effectively manage the distribution of your iOS and iPadOS apps based on their stage of development and the preferences of your target audience.