Creating the IPA file

An IPA file is an iOS application archive file which stores an iOS app. Use one of these methods to create an IPA file that ASoC can scan.

About this task

This section describes two methods for creating the IPA file from your .app bundle, for ASoC to scan. The first method is preferred. Note that simulator versions are not supported; the app you upload must be a deployment version.

Create the debug version of the app

This method is preferred, as the output includes debugging information that can be useful to ASoC when scanning. You compress the application folder manually, and then change its file extension from ZIP to IPA.
Important: When building the app with Xcode, choose "Generic iOS Device" as the target device for the build.

Procedure

  1. Create a folder named "Payload".
  2. Copy the .app bundle into the folder.
  3. Compress the folder to a ZIP file.
  4. Change the file extension from .zip to .ipa

Create a deployment version of the app

You can create the IPA file in Xcode using the Archive utility and Export options. Although this method is easy to use, since the code is optimized it contains no debug information (which can provide useful information to ASoC when scanning).
Important: When creating the deployment version, you must use the procedure below. The deployment version created for the App Store, using the "iOS App Store Deployment" option, is not supported.

Procedure

  1. Open the project in Xcode.
  2. In the Product menu, select Archive.
    Note: If the "Archive" option is disabled, make sure to choose an iOS Device instead of a simulator in the Run Destination menu.
  3. Choose Export.
  4. Select Save for Development Deployment, and then click Next
  5. Select a Development Team, then click Choose.
  6. In Device Support, select Export one app for all compatible devices, then click Next.
  7. Select your export location and click Export.