# 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](https://docs.github.com/en/organizations/managing-organization-settings/configuring-the-retention-period-for-github-actions-artifacts-and-logs-in-your-organization).
- **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](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/test-a-beta-version/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](https://firebase.google.com/docs/app-distribution/troubleshooting).

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](https://app-barn.com/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](/ai/) · [Quick start](/quickstart) · [Share and install](/guides/share-install).