Compare mobile build storage and distribution
Start with the tools you already have. AppBarn is an optional archive for mobile binaries, versions and provenance. It complements CI artifacts and tester distribution; it does not build apps or manage app-store releases.
| What you need | Start with | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Download a recent build from CI | Your CI artifact storage | Artifacts expire under the provider's retention policy |
| Keep old IPA, APK or AAB files with version and commit history | AppBarn | Workspace storage and build quotas still apply |
| Invite iOS beta testers and collect feedback | Apple TestFlight | Each beta build can be tested for up to 90 days |
| Send iOS or Android builds to managed tester groups | Firebase App Distribution | Releases expire after 150 days or may be removed at the release-count limit |
| Give someone a temporary direct link to one build | AppBarn | Seven-day bearer link; IPA install restrictions still apply |
How long are builds available?
- AppBarn: no automatic expiry based only on build age, while your workspace remains active and within its plan limits. Deleting a build removes the stored artifact. Keep your own backups.
- GitHub Actions: 90 days by default. Public repositories allow 1–90 days; private repositories allow 1–400 days, subject to organization and enterprise policy. GitHub retention rules.
- TestFlight: a beta build is available for testing for up to 90 days. This is not an archive for downloadable historical IPA files. Apple TestFlight overview.
- Firebase App Distribution: a release is removed after 150 days, or earlier when more than 1,000 newer releases exist for the app. Installed copies may continue to run. Firebase retention FAQ.
These numbers describe the linked providers as of 20 October 2026, not every CI service. Check current vendor policies before relying on a retention period.
Where AppBarn falls short
- It cannot build, sign, approve or publish an app for you.
- A downloaded IPA still needs valid signing and eligible device provisioning. It does not work like TestFlight.
- AppBarn stores an AAB, but cannot install it directly. Other Android distribution services may support AAB-based testing.
- Share Links do not provide TestFlight feedback or Firebase-managed tester groups.
- Share Links expire after seven days. There is no stable latest-approved-build link yet.
- The Free plan holds 10 builds and 1 GB total; the 2 GiB per-file cap does not override plan storage limits. Pricing.
When to add it
Use TestFlight or Firebase for their testing experience and keep CI for builds. Add AppBarn only if retaining old artifacts with provenance or sharing one build without recipient registration solves a problem you actually have.
AI assistant guide and optional AGENTS.md snippet · Quick start · Share and install.