Bitrise Release Management introduces CI Agnostic distribution for testing and releasing to stores

News & Updates Release Management
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We understand how complex app distribution can be, especially when juggling multiple tools for mobile app testing and store releases.

This is what prompted us to build Release Management back in 2022. Originally tightly coupled to Bitrise CI, we’re excited to announce that Release Management can now be used with any CI tool. This means all mobile teams can use Release Management, and we’re offering it with a generous free tier, regardless of their CI tool.

Now, mobile teams can streamline the process from test distribution to app store releases, solving some major developer pain points. Especially with App Center scheduled for retirement on March 31, 2025.

Contact us to distribute your mobile apps from your chosen CI

Distribute for testing

Efficiently sharing app builds with testers is essential for gathering feedback quickly and avoiding post-release issues—which can negatively affect the user experience and lead to uninstalls. Release Management makes it simple to share your app with testers before it goes live, for fast, secure distribution.

Testing features include::

  • Artifact Page - OTA: No more hunting for build files across different systems. The Artifact Page stores your IPA, APK, and AAB files in one place, making access faster and more efficient.
  • Public Install Page: Share app builds with external testers via over-the-air (OTA) installation without needing App Store or Google Play Console accounts. This removes friction for testers and streamlines feedback.
  • Private Install Page: Ensure secure distribution to internal testers with private links that require a Bitrise login, adding an extra layer of security for internal projects.

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Coming soon:

  • Assign Tester Groups: Easily assign builds to predefined tester groups and get notified when new versions are available. You can also remove access as needed, keeping everything under control.

Manage your releases

Managing releases for iOS and Android apps can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Release Management streamlines this process with key automation and collaboration features.

Features include:

  • Manual and Automated Distribution Flow: Whether you prefer automated workflows or keeping a human in the loop, Bitrise Release Management supports both!
  • Phased Rollouts: Updates are gradually released to App Store and Play Store users to ensure stability before a full rollout. This helps mitigate risks and reduce the impact of potential bugs.
  • Manage Metadata: Easily update release notes and metadata without needing direct access to the app stores, simplifying the release process for your team.
  • What to test (TestFlight): Help testers focus on the right elements by manually adding ‘What to Test’ metadata.
  • Triggering Bitrise builds and pipelines: Customize your release flow by triggering customizable jobs automatically based on release events, removing manual steps, and reducing errors in the release process. Examples include updating Jira tickets, triggering ServiceNow approvals, and tagging commits.
  • Submit for App Store review (iOS): Submit apps without having to grant App Store Connect access to employees involved in the process, keeping ACLs easily managed with SSO.
  • Feature Flags: Users with a LaunchDarkly account can follow their application’s feature flags through the LaunchDarkly and Bitrise integration.

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Centralized Management for Full Control

Keeping track of multiple app versions and ensuring everyone is using the correct build can be a challenge. We centralize everything in one place, giving you complete control over your distribution process:

  • Release Manager: Assign roles and permissions to ensure only authorized users can make changes that affect end-users. This role-based access helps safeguard your release process.
  • Gated Releases: Add approval tasks as prerequisites for internal stakeholders, ensuring internal sign-off before a release goes live, reducing the risk of errors.
  • Slack and Email Notifications: Stay updated in real-time with notifications for release changes, keeping your team informed and aligned.

Connecting another CI service to Release Management

You can use Release Management even if you don’t use Bitrise CI. Read how to on our dev center.

Use it wherever you build apps: Get started

Already a Bitrise CI user? Start using Release Management now.

Not using Bitrise CI? Contact us and distribute your mobile apps from the CI you choose!