Xcode Cloud
Xcode Cloud is a continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) service built into Xcode for automating the building, testing, and distributing of apps for Apple platforms.
What is Xcode Cloud?
Xcode Cloud is a CI/CD service integrated into Xcode, Apple's IDE. It's tailored for developers working on iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps. Xcode Cloud automates tasks like building the app in the cloud, running tests on simulated devices, and distributing the app to testers or the App Store. This service simplifies the development workflow, allowing teams to focus on coding while it handles the complexities of integration and delivery processes.
Top Alternatives to Xcode Cloud
- Comprehensive mobile app distribution platform.
- Supports self-hosted deployment and cloud options.
- Provides Testing Distribution and Enterprise App Store modules.
- Ideal for enterprises with complex security and distribution requirements.
- IAM & SSO (OpenID & SAML) integration for secure access.
- In-app updates.
- Public links for easy distribution.
- Apple Device Registration & Management [Ad Hoc].
- Enterprise App Store for in-house app distribution.
Others
Bitrise
Bitrise offers a restricted publish flow, lacks a self-hosted option, and does not provide signing identity management, which might impact flexibility and control for some teams.
Codemagic
Codemagic offers more restricted customization options, lacks a self-hosted option, and has limited testing distribution capabilities.
App Center
App Center has slower build speeds, limited workflow customization, and a stronger focus on testing and analytics rather than comprehensive CI/CD capabilities
FAQs
Appcircle vs. Xcode Cloud
Compare Appcircle with Xcode Cloud as Mobile CI/CD and DevOps tools and discover how Appcircle stands out.
Flexible Deployment Options
Every enterprise is unique and may require different deployment options, such as Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, or on-premise solutions. Appcircle addresses these needs with a portable, container-based architecture that aligns with your specific deployment requirements while also preventing cloud vendor lock-in. Whether you choose to deploy on GCP Public Cloud, on-premise, or privately via the AWS Marketplace, Appcircle meets your requirements.
Distribution Speed & Security
Multi-region secure CDNs ensure your app builds are globally accessible with optimized performance, even in regions with unique internet regulations. With encryption at rest and in transit, your packages are distributed securely.
Built for Purpose
Distribution platforms serve different purposes, such as Testing Distribution or deploying in-house apps to internal users via an Enterprise App Store. Appcircle offers dedicated modules tailored for each of these use cases.
IAM/SSO Integration
Comprehensive security with IAM/SSO integration, including Identity Providers such as Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin, along with support for authentication protocols like LDAP, OpenID and SAML The platform also supports IAM role mapping (through LDAP and SSO), enabling seamless role and permission assignments based on identity provider groups for enhanced access control.
Apple Ad-Hoc Device Registration
Streamlined UDID registration for Apple devices with configuration profiles. The platform automatically adds device UDIDs to provisioning profiles, simplifying device management for app distribution and testing.
Re-signing Binaries for iOS and Android Apps
Support for re-signing iOS and Android binaries allows developers to re-sign apps with new certificates (iOS) or keystores (Android), ensuring app integrity and security.
CI Integration
Seamless integration with existing CI/CD tools is supported. With ready-to-use plugins for Azure DevOps, GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins and more, plus API/CLI support, you can easily integrate Appcircle Distribution into your existing CI workflow.
End-to-End Platform
Many distribution tools offer only limited functionality for tasks such as building and publishing to app stores. If you plan to leverage these features, ensure the platform provides robust, comprehensive modules for Build, Signing Identity Management, and Publishing to Stores to fully address your needs.
Appcircle
Xcode-Cloud
Azure DevOps Services Cloud, Azure DevOps Server, GitHub, Bitbucket, Bitbucket (Self-Hosted), GitLab, GitLab (Self-Hosted)
GitHub, GitHub (Self-Hosted), Bitbucket, Bitbucket (Self-Hosted), GitLab, GitLab (Self-Hosted)
Use workflow steps that are tailored and maintained for mobile development.
Usage between custom pre-action, action, post-action
Ruby and Bash
In Roadmap
In Roadmap
Only TestFlight internal and external
Public Cloud, Private Cloud,
On-premise, AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Azure
Public Cloud hosted on Apple's infrastructure, no private cloud or on-premise options.
Supports LDAP group/role mapping, enabling seamless integration with your organization's directory services for effective and automated tester group management.
Fixed, Transparent Pricing
Freemium
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. This comparison is based on their review of the product for market research purposes
Switching to another CI/CD tool can be a complex decision. Switching to Appcircle is easy,however we've prepared this comparison to help you decide easier.
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