We're retiring Rock Mobile Latest (the "blue app") as our pre-release distribution method. Going forward, pre-release builds are distributed through the same platforms Apple and Google provide for this purpose: TestFlight for iOS and Firebase App Distribution for Android.

How pre-release testing will work

When a new Rock version is released, we'll plan to make the next major and next minor version available in advance as a pre-alpha, alpha, or beta build. For example, once 19.2 ships, both 19.3 and 20.0 may be available to test.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Server dependencies: Some features in a pre-release build may depend on a matching pre-release version of Rock server. You may not get the full experience of a new feature until both sides are in sync.
• Change log: We're not currently releasing update notes for these pre-release versions. Typically, you'll be testing these versions in response to a specific bug fix or new feature you're already aware of.
• Delays are expected: There's often a gap between when a Rock version is tagged (or Rock core cuts a pre-release), and when the matching Rock Mobile build is available to testers. This can be caused by several factors, including Apple's TestFlight review process.

Reporting issues

We only respond to and address issues reported on the Rock Mobile Issues board. Testing platforms may let you report issues or send crash info directly, and you're welcome to use that. It doesn't replace a report on the board, though. If you already submitted something through TestFlight, mention it in your board report. That extra detail can help us.

iOS: TestFlight

1. Install the TestFlight app from the App Store, if you haven't already.
2. Join the Community Testers group: open this link on your iOS device and tap Start Testing (or Accept, then Install): https://testflight.apple.com/join/Q6nTq83v
3. Once installed, you'll notice the app icon shows a small dot before the app name on your home screen — this is how you know you're running a TestFlight build rather than the App Store version.
4. Switching between available versions: open the TestFlight app, select Rock Mobile, and scroll down to Previous Builds to choose a different version to install.

Apple's own guide covers installing TestFlight, accepting invitations, and general tester behavior in more detail:
Testing Apps with TestFlight

Android: Firebase App Distribution

1. Join the Community Testers group: open this link on your Android device: https://appdistribution.firebase.dev/i/88ce459a5eccaddf
2. Sign in with a Google account and accept the invitation.
3. We're distributing APK files, so after accepting the invite you'll download and install the APK directly rather than going through the Play Store. Android may prompt you to allow installs from this source the first time — approve that prompt to continue.
4. When moving to a different APK versions, it's best to:
   1. Force stop the app
   2. Clear its cache and storage/data
   3. Uninstall it completely
   4. ... before installing the new APK. This avoids leftover data or config causing issues between versions.

Firebase's tester guide covers accepting invitations and installing builds in more detail: Get set up as a tester with App Distribution. If you run into installation problems, check their troubleshooting & FAQ.

When you're done testing

Once you're finished testing a pre-release build, we recommend switching back to the production version of Rock Mobile from the App Store or Play Store:

• iOS: TestFlight builds expire after 90 days, and installing the App Store version will replace your TestFlight build (both use the same app, so only one can be installed at a time).
• Android: the production Play Store app will keep itself updated automatically, unlike a sideloaded APK. As above, uninstall the test APK first to avoid any conflicts before installing the store version.