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Uploading Your Distribution Build Using Apple Transporter

In our managed distribution setup, distribution builds must be uploaded using Apple Transporter, not directly from Xcode.

This approach allows you to submit builds to App Store Connect without requiring access to the Apple Developer account.

Important rules (please read)​

  • Do not upload builds using Xcode → Distribute App → Upload
  • Do not enable “Automatically manage signing”
  • Sign your app using the certificate and provisioning profiles provided by AppInChina
  • Always export an IPA and upload it using Apple Transporter

Uploading via Xcode requires Apple Developer Program access, which is not part of this setup.

Step 1: Export the IPA from Xcode​

After building and signing your app with the files we provide:

  1. Open your project in Xcode
  2. Select Any iOS Device (arm64) as the run destination
  3. From the menu bar, click:
Product → Archive
  1. When Organizer opens, select the latest archive
  2. Click Distribute App
  3. Select Custom → Next
  4. Select App Store Connect → Next
  5. Select Export (do not select Upload)
  6. Keep all signing options unchanged
  7. Choose a location and export the .ipa

You should now have a signed IPA ready for upload.

Step 2: Upload the IPA using Apple Transporter​

  1. Install Apple Transporter from the macOS App Store
  2. Open Transporter
  3. Sign in using your App Store Connect Apple ID (must have App Manager access)
    • Ensure you can complete Apple 2FA prompts during sign-in
  4. Click Add App or Asset Pack and select the exported .ipa
  5. Wait for Transporter to validate the build
  6. Click Deliver
  7. Wait for the upload to complete

Once delivered, the build will appear in App Store Connect (usually within a few minutes).

Notes on App Store Connect accounts​

  • Transporter uploads are tied to the App Store Connect organization that owns the app
  • If your Apple ID has access to multiple organizations, make sure you’re logged in with the account that has access to the correct app record
  • If Transporter reports “no suitable application record”, it usually means:
    • The Apple ID does not have access to the app’s App Store Connect account, or
    • The app exists under a different organization

If you hit this, contact us before retrying.

Summary​

  • Build and sign using the files provided by AppInChina
  • Export an IPA from Xcode
  • Upload via Apple Transporter
  • Manage versions, TestFlight, and submissions in App Store Connect

If you run into issues, see Troubleshooting and Required Screenshots.