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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.

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Top Alternatives to Xcode Cloud

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  • 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

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.

Xcode Cloud

Codemagic

Codemagic offers more restricted customization options, lacks a self-hosted option, and has limited testing distribution capabilities.

bitrise

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

jenkins

Jenkins

Jenkins requires technical expertise for complex setup, has higher maintenance and hardware requirements, and can be challenging for beginners to learn

FAQs

+What is Xcode Cloud?

+How to Use Xcode Cloud?

+What is the difference between Xcode and Xcode Cloud?

+Do I need a Mac for Xcode Cloud?

+Can I use Xcode Cloud on Windows?

+Is Xcode Cloud compatible with Android?

+Is there a self-hosted option for Xcode Cloud?

+Can I use Xcode Cloud for free?

Appcircle vs. Xcode Cloud

Compare Appcircle with Xcode Cloud as Mobile CI/CD and DevOps tools and discover how Appcircle stands out.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Appcircle

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Xcode-Cloud

Obj-C/Swift iOS Builds
Java/Kotlin Android Builds
React Native Builds
Flutter Builds
.Net MAUI Builds
Xamarin Builds
Unity Builds
Hybrid/Ionic Builds
Apple Silicon M2 Chip Support
Git Providers Supported

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)

External Custom Git Repository Support
Automated Builds with Git Push
Automated Builds with Git Tag
Continuous Integration Pipeline
Advanced Build Configuration with Workflows

Use workflow steps that are tailored and maintained for mobile development.

Usage between custom pre-action, action, post-action

Workflow Components Marketplace
Build Configuration with YAML/JSON
Custom Build Scripts

Ruby and Bash

AI-powered CI/CD

In Roadmap

Centralized Environment Variables
Unit and UI Test Support
Unit and UI Testing Report
Selectable Xcode Version
Android Multiple Flavor Dimension Support
Insight

In Roadmap

Centralized Signing Identities
Online iOS Certificate Creation Interface
Online Keystore Creation Interface
Ad Hoc Device Registration
Apple Device Management
App Testing Distribution
Testing Group Support

Only TestFlight internal and external

Tester Authentication with Email
Tester Authentication with Static Credentials
Tester Authentication with Enterprise Identity
Publish to Apple App Store and TestFlight
Publish to Google Play
Publish to Huawei AppGallery
Publish Flow Customization
Publish In-House with Enterprise App Store
Deployment Options

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.

Team Management
Fine-Grained User Roles and Permissions
SSO (Single Sign-On) Login
LDAP Group/Role Mapping

Supports LDAP group/role mapping, enabling seamless integration with your organization's directory services for effective and automated tester group management.

2FA Support
Enterprise-Grade Logs/Reports
Pricing Model

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

Click here to view more mobile CI/CD software comparisons.

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.

Discover more!

We're here to discuss how Appcircle can enhance your mobile development workflow. Feel free to reach out! We usually respond within a business day.

This information was last updated in Q1 2024

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