Do iTunesConnect external testers get updates for *every* uploaded ipa file after Beta Approval?

Question

Pardon all the italic shouting. Just trying to emphasize key points. Please note that the existing post iOS app submission and beta review process does not answer this question.

The following sequence of events does happen and it's what I expect:

• Create a new version (number) of app in iTC
• Archive and upload app to iTC
• Internal testers get notified to download with TestFlight
• Submit for Beta Approval (critical for next step)
• Now all testers (inside & out) get notified to download

But next:

• Create a new build (number) in Xcode
• Archive and upload to iTC
• Only internal testers are notified. ⬅︎ unexpected

Do I need Beta Approval every time I want the external testers notified? I could swear this has not been the case. But of course things may have changed. Or it's just my bad memory.

Answer 1

Do I need Beta Approval every time I want the external testers notified?

NO

I could swear this has not been the case. But of course things may have changed. Or it's just my bad memory.

It's just that:

1) there's a short delay (5-20 minutes) before you can send to external testers

2) from time to time Apple's servers are screwed, and the 5-20 minute delay becomes "many hours".

Change the version number - you have to wait for a (presumably human) approval: takes 1-2 days

Change the build number - only a short delay for a (presumably) automatic check.

And don't forget you have to manually release to the external testers each time!