Flutter App Deployment FAQ

1. What are the release formats for publishing to the Play Store?

You have two release formats for publishing:

  • App bundle (preferred): Google Play Store prefers this format as it optimizes the app delivery.
  • APK: Still useful for stores that do not support app bundles.

2. How do I build an app bundle?

  • Navigate to your project directory: cd [project].
  • Run the command: flutter build appbundle.
  • The release app bundle will be generated at: [project]/build/app/outputs/bundle/release/app.aab.

3. How can I test the app bundle?

You can test it in two ways:

  • Offline using BundleTool.
  • Online by uploading your app bundle to Google Play (TestFlight, Alpha/Beta channels).

4. How do I build a release APK?

  • Navigate to your project directory: cd [project].
  • Run: flutter build apk --split-per-abi to build APKs for different ABIs.
  • The APKs will be generated at:
    • [project]/build/app/outputs/apk/release/app-armeabi-v7a-release.apk
    • [project]/build/app/outputs/apk/release/app-arm64-v8a-release.apk
    • [project]/build/app/outputs/apk/release/app-x86_64-release.apk

5. What is a fat APK?

A fat APK contains compiled binaries for all target ABIs, making it compatible with multiple architectures. However, it increases the file size significantly.

6. What are the supported target architectures?

When building in release mode, Flutter apps can be compiled for:

  • armeabi-v7a (ARM 32-bit)
  • arm64-v8a (ARM 64-bit)
  • x86_64 (x86 64-bit)

7. How do I install an APK on a device?

  • Connect your Android device via USB.
  • Run the following command in your project directory: flutter install.

iOS App Deployment FAQ

1. How do I register my app on App Store Connect?

Registering an app involves two steps:

  • Register a Bundle ID: Navigate to the App IDs section in your Apple Developer account and create a unique Bundle ID.
  • Create an application record: Open App Store Connect, create a new app, and link it to the registered Bundle ID.

2. How do I review Xcode project settings for deployment?

Open the Xcode workspace with open ios/Runner.xcworkspace, then:

  • Check the Identity section for your app's display name and Bundle Identifier.
  • In Signing & Capabilities, make sure that Xcode manages signing automatically and that your developer team is selected.
  • Set the minimum iOS version under Deployment.

3. How do I update the app's deployment target version?

  • Update the MinimumOSVersion in the ios/Flutter/AppFrameworkInfo.plist file to match the new deployment target in Xcode.

4. How do I add an app icon to my iOS project?

  • Replace the placeholder icons in Assets.xcassets with your app’s icons according to iOS App Icon Guidelines.

5. How do I add a launch image?

  • Replace the placeholder launch image in Assets.xcassets with your custom image, then verify by performing a hot restart.

6. How do I create a build archive and upload to App Store Connect?

  • Run flutter build ipa to generate a .xcarchive file and .ipa bundle.
  • Optionally, obfuscate your Dart code with --obfuscate and --split-debug-info flags.

7. How do I update the app's version number?

  • Modify the version field in the pubspec.yaml file.
  • In Xcode, update both the Version and Build Identifier in the Identity section.

8. What is the difference between build-name and build-number?

  • Build-name (CFBundleShortVersionString) is the user-facing version.
  • Build-number (CFBundleVersion) is used for tracking builds on App Store Connect.

9. How do I distribute my iOS app if not using the App Store?

  • Use the --export-method flag with flutter build ipa to export builds for ad-hoc, development, or enterprise distribution.

Common Deployment Questions

1. When should I use app bundles vs. APKs?

Use app bundles for efficient delivery on Google Play. Use APKs if you are distributing your app outside of the Play Store.

2. How do I sign an app bundle?

App bundles created by flutter build appbundle are signed if you've completed the signing steps.

3. What are the steps to publish an app to the Google Play Store?

  • Update the version number in pubspec.yaml.
  • Build the app bundle using flutter build appbundle.
  • Upload the bundle to Google Play via the Google Play Console.

4. What platforms are supported by Flutter?

Flutter supports building apps for Android and iOS. It does not support tvOS at this time.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the Flutter documentation and Apple's Developer guides.