How to generate a Xamarin IPA file

Issue

Might be a simple question but I'm struggling to get the IPA file for iOS devices. I've read that I need an account at Apple Developer Program. I don't want to publish the app to the App store. I've also read that I need to use Ad-Hoc to build the IPA file that I don't need to publish. Can someone maybe just clarify for me I'm a bit lost.

The apk builds and runs without a problem

I'm using Microsoft Visual Studio Enterprise 2019 Version 16.9.2

MacOS Big Sur Version 11.2.3 virtual Machine.

xCode Version 12.4

Thanks in advance

Solution

Certification

Certification of computer development qualifications, each developer account has a set, divided into two types:

1. Developer Certification

installed on the computer to provide permissions: the developer was able to test the app on a real machine. A copy can be generated for installation on multiple computers;

2. Distribution Certification

Distribution Certification is installed on the computer to provide the permission to publish iOS programs: developers can make test versions and release versions of programs. Copy is not allowed, only the computer equipped with the certificate can be used; (the copy is introduced in the Keychain below)

Provisioning Profile

Authorization file is the authorization for devices such as iPod Touch, iPad, iPhone. What is recorded is the UDID of the device and the App Id of the program. Only the authorized device can install or debug the program corresponding to the Bundle identifier(App Id) and the App Id recorded in the authorization file. Developer account will select App Id when creating authorization file, (add in App Id under developer account, single choice) and UDID (add up to 100 in Devices under developer account, multiple choice).

There are two types of authorization files, corresponding to the corresponding certificates:

1. Developer Provisioning Profile (development authorization file)

Is used on a computer with a development certificate or a copy, and the developer selects the authorization file to install the program to the authorization file record through the computer In the device, then you can test on the real machine. Note: Ensure that the computer has permission to debug on the real machine, that is, install the development certificate or copy; the Bundle identifier of the program in the development tool must be the same as the App Id of the selected authorization file; the UDID of the device connected and debugged is in the selected authorization file There are records.

2. The Distribution Provisioning Profile (release authorization file)

Is used to make the test version and the release version of the program on the computer with the distribution certificate (that is, the computer with the configuration certificate, there is only one). The release version is the program file published on the App Store. When the developer account creates the authorization file, select the store option and select the App Id without selecting the UDID; the beta version is the program file that can be synced to the device by the tester before the release. When the developer account creates the authorization file, select AdHoc, select App Id and UDID; only the device corresponding to the selected UDID can install the program made by the authorization file.

The Keychain (development key)

Will generate a Keychain under the certificate when the certificate is successfully installed. The certificate copy mentioned above is to export the Keychain (that is, the .p12 file) through the computer that configures the certificate and install it on other computers so that other computers can get it. Permission corresponding to the certificate. Developer Certification can make a copy of Keychain and distribute it to other computers for installation so that it can be tested on the real machine. Note: Distribution Certification can only be used by the computer with the certificate. Therefore, even if the exported Keychain is installed on other computers, other computers may not have the authority of the certificate.

Answered By - Steven-MSFT