XCode App Packaging and Release – Automate Build with Simular
This Simular workflow automates the packaging and upload of iOS apps built in XCode. It wraps the app into a distributable format, uploads it via browser or CLI interface, and notifies the team upon successful deployment.
How It Works
1. Build Completion Trigger
Simular is triggered by the completion of a local or remote XCode build process.
2. File Packaging
Using terminal scripting or Finder interaction, Simular zips the .app or .ipa file using standard tools like zip or xcrun.
3. App Store Connect Access
Simular navigates to the TestFlight or App Store Connect upload portal, logs in, and uploads the file using the web UI.
4. Form Completion and Submission
Required metadata (version, release notes, etc.) is filled in automatically before submitting.
5. Confirmation and Notification
Once uploaded, the workflow sends a Slack or email notification to relevant team members.
Benefits
- End-to-End Packaging – Handles both build output and delivery.
- Reliable Upload – Interacts with Apple's web interface directly.
- Notification-Ready – Keeps teams in the loop.
- Repeatable – Works for nightly builds or release candidates.
- Problems This Workflow Solves
- Manual Uploads – Eliminates the slowest part of the release process.
- Missed Versions – Ensures no version gets skipped.
Tech Stack
- Simular Pro – For browser and terminal interaction as a computer use GUI agent
- XCode CLI / Build System – For .ipa generation
- Slack or Email – Notification system
Check our latest User Cases
More