BetaDrop is a fast, free way to host an .ipa or .apk behind an install link and QR code. It's a good fit when your build is already signed for every iPhone that needs it.
The hard part of iOS testing is the next tester. BetaDrop can collect their UDID and export it as a CSV, but it doesn't sign builds, so you still add the iPhone in your Apple account, update the profile, export a new build and upload it again.
BetaDrop and BuildFerry side by side
| BetaDrop | BuildFerry | |
|---|---|---|
| Install link | Yes, with a QR code | Yes |
| Collects UDIDs | Yes, exported as a CSV | Collected by a signed profile in Safari |
| Registers the iPhone with Apple | No | Yes, through your App Store Connect key |
| Re-signs the build for new iPhones | No, you sign before uploading | Yes, in the cloud |
| Who can install | Anyone with the link and a matching profile | You approve each iPhone (or auto-approve) |
| Link lifetime on the free plan | 3 days by default, up to 7 | Never, unless you set a date |
| Largest file | 500 MB, or 1 GB on Studio | 200 MB free, up to 2 GB on Pro |
| Android | Yes | No, iOS only |
| CI upload | GitHub Action and CLI | GitHub Action, CLI and fastlane |
| MCP server for AI assistants | Yes | Not yet |
What BuildFerry does after the UDID
- Your tester opens the share link and allows a one-time profile.
- You approve their iPhone, and only then is it registered with your Apple team.
- Your exported .ipa is re-signed for that iPhone in a short-lived cloud container.
- The tester taps Install. Next week's build reaches the same link.
No spreadsheet of device IDs, no new provisioning profile by hand and no Mac.
When BetaDrop is the better choice
- You ship Android as well as iOS and want one link for both.
- Your builds are already signed for your testers, for example an enterprise build.
- You want to upload from an AI assistant through an MCP server today.
- You need a temporary link with no Apple key connected at all.
See how BuildFerry compares with Diawi, or read how ad hoc distribution works.
Questions
Does BetaDrop re-sign iOS builds?
No. BetaDrop's own documentation says it doesn't re-sign or modify builds, so the .ipa must already include each tester's device in its provisioning profile.
What is the difference between BetaDrop and BuildFerry?
BetaDrop hosts builds for iOS and Android. BuildFerry is iOS only, and it registers each approved iPhone with your Apple account and re-signs the build, so a new tester never needs a new export.
Is BuildFerry free?
There's a free plan for one app with builds up to 200 MB. Solo is $12 a month and Pro is $29 a month.