creating ipa for distribution to client

Question

I wanted to know what is the use to create an ipa and distribute it to client for testing when we can easily zip the built app and distribute the zipped .app file.

What is the benefit of creating the .ipa?

Is it that creating the ipa do not need the mobile provisioning profile?

Please clarify my doubt.

Answer 1

The ipa file is in fact the installable.

I'd recommend reading the iOS Development Guide (see the "Distributing Applications" section in particular), as this explains everything in detail.

Answer 2

I would tell you an advantage from my experience. When you deliver a zipped .app file to a client, if he is using iTunes on Windows machine, he would be tempted to open it(as .app looks like a folder in Windows). That would actually render the app unusable. However IPA file can't be opened in any way. So it is safe to distribute IPA without considering whether it is going to be deployed on a Mac or a Windows PC.

Answer 3

Although middaparka's answer has been marked as correct, the link in his answer is now deprecated. The updated reference is App Distribution Guide

Answer 4

The reason why I use the .ipa over .app is because you can have your clients install your adhoc build straight from the iDevice over mobile safari without having to go through iTunes.

This comes in VERY handy. However, it does take some research to do because it is a wee bit tedious. Basically you have to have a html page incorporating a link to a manifest.plist that has a link to the .ipa file.

http://jeffreysambells.com/posts/2010/06/22/ios-wireless-app-distribution/

Answer 5

Use the Build and Archive command in Build menu. Then you can save it to disk as an ipa archive.

Answer 6

You don't need to send the mobile provisionning profile with the .ipa so it's easier to install for your client. And it's easier to build it (Product->Archive in Xcode than share than give the .ipa name).

I don't understand why Apple gives the technic for the .app in the iOs provisionning portal.