Mobile apps have become an integral part of our lives, and iOS apps are no exception. With the ever-growing popularity of iPhones and iPads, it’s more important than ever to ensure that apps are high-quality and bug-free.
The Apple App Store has over 1.96 million apps available for download, while the Google Play Store has over 2.87 million. 70% of all US digital media time comes from mobile apps.
iOS app testing tools are designed to help developers identify and fix bugs in their apps before they are released to the public. There are a variety of tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular tools include Appium, XCTest, and Calabash.
When choosing an iOS app testing tool, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Some factors to consider include the types of devices you need to test on, the features you need, and the level of automation you desire.
Once you’ve selected a tool, it’s important to set up your tests and start testing. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential for ensuring that your app is of high quality.
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Why would you require tools for iOS testing?
Both automatic and manual methods can be used to evaluate iOS apps. Although manual testing is labor-intensive and error-prone, it involves human testers investigating the features and functionality of apps. On the other side, automated testing of iOS apps uses iOS testing tools to run test scripts that simulate scenarios and user interactions. Efficiency is increased, monotonous jobs are automated, and dependable testing—including compatibility, performance, and user interface testing—is made possible via automation.
Top 5 iOS App Testing Tools to Supercharge Your App’s Success
Appium: Your All-in-One App Testing Toolbox
Imagine you built a cool app, but before you let the world play with it, you want to make sure it works like a charm on everyone’s phone. That’s where Appium comes in – it’s like a super toolbox for testing your app on iPhones, iPads, and even Android phones!
Here’s the coolest part:
- Free for All: Appium is free, so you don’t have to pay a dime to use it. Think of it like borrowing a friend’s fancy toolbox instead of buying your own.
- One Tool for All Apps: Don’t you hate needing different tools for different things? Appium can test all your apps, whether they’re native (built just for iPhone), hybrid (a mix of web and native), or even pure web apps. It’s like having a universal wrench that fits every nut and bolt!
- Test on Real Phones: Want to see how your app works on everyone’s phone, not just yours? Appium lets you test it on real iPhones, iPads, and even Android phones. Think of it like checking if your cake tastes good to everyone, not just yourself!
- Talk to Appium in Your Language: You don’t need to learn a new language to use Appium. You can write test instructions in popular languages like English (well, in coding form!), making it easy and familiar.
- Test Faster with Friends: Imagine having a bunch of helpers test your app at the same time! Appium lets you connect to a bunch of phones to run tests all at once, catching bugs even faster. Think of it like having a whole team of friends taste your cake – they’ll find any burnt bits quicker!
So, why choose Appium? It’s like having a free, all-in-one toolbox that lets you test any app on any phone, in a language you already know, and with some virtual friends helping out. Pretty cool, right?
XCTest: The Native App Testing Sensei
Think of XCTest as the official training ground for your iOS app. Built by Apple itself, it’s like having a sensei who intimately understands your app’s inner workings and can teach it to perform flawlessly.
Here’s how XCTest makes your app a top-notch warrior:
- Xcode BFF: XCTest lives right inside Xcode, your app-building headquarters. No need to switch tools or learn new tricks – write and run tests right where you develop your app. It’s like having the sensei living in your dojo!
- Accessibility Champion: XCTest cares about everyone. Its powerful accessibility testing tools ensure your app works smoothly for people with disabilities, making it inclusive and welcoming for all. Think of it like the sensei teaching your app to perform graceful moves that anyone can appreciate.
- Performance Guru: XCTest keeps an eagle eye on your app’s performance. It tracks how much battery it uses, how fast it responds, and if it gets overloaded. Like a wise sensei, it identifies any weaknesses and shows you how to improve your app’s stamina and speed.
Remember, XCTest is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer. Its intuitive interface and record-and-playback functionality make it easy to write tests, even if you don’t know every coding technique. Think of it as the sensei that starts with simple exercises and gradually guides you towards mastery.
So, if you want to build flawless native iOS apps and ensure they’re inclusive and performant, XCTest is your go-to sensei. Let it guide your app on the path to greatness!
Detox: The React Native BFF
Think of Detox as the ultimate sidekick for your React Native app. It’s built specifically for this kind of app, speaking the same Javascript language your team already knows. It’s like having a best friend who understands your app inside and out and helps you catch any hiccups before they become embarrassing public meltdowns.
Here’s why Detox is the perfect partner for your React Native app:
- No Translation Needed: Your Javascript skills are all you need! Detox lets you write tests directly on your app’s building blocks, the UI components. It’s like talking to your BFF in your language, no awkward foreign phrases are required.
- Always on the Move: Unlike most testing tools that get stuck waiting for things to happen, Detox keeps the tests flowing smoothly. It’s like a super-efficient ninja, dodging any potential timeouts and giving you feedback faster than ever.
- Bug Detective Extraordinaire: Something acting weird in your app? Detox has a magnifying glass and a Sherlock Holmes hat ready! Its powerful debugging tools help you pinpoint the exact spot where the bug is hiding, making it easy to fix and get your app back on track.
Remember, Detox isn’t just for tech gurus. Even if you’re not a coding master, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and run tests. It’s like having a friendly robot assistant guiding you through the process, step by step.
Mobot
It’s not just a testing tool; it’s a whole team of real, physical robots that play with your app, just like real users would. Think of them as tiny ninjas navigating every nook and cranny, sniffing out any bugs hiding in the code.
Here’s why Mobot is a unique robot-whisperer:
- Real Robots, Real Results: No more simulations or emulators. Mobot uses actual phones and tablets, with physical hands that tap, swipe, and pinch just like we do. It’s like having a whole army of miniature users testing your app, giving you the most realistic feedback possible.
- Beyond Buttons and Swipes: Mobot doesn’t just test the basics. It can handle complex actions like logging in, making purchases, and even using Apple Watch or Bluetooth connections. Think of it as a team of robo-acrobats, contorting themselves to test every feature in every way imaginable.
- Time-Saving Superhero: Manually testing everything takes ages. Mobot automates the whole process, letting your robo-friends run tests 24/7, freeing you to focus on building even more awesome features. It’s like having a tireless squad of robot helpers working around the clock to polish your app.
- Bug Squasher Extraordinaire: Mobot doesn’t just find bugs; it captures them like a bug-catching pro! It takes screenshots, videos, and detailed logs, showing you exactly what went wrong and where. Think of it as a robo-detective, leaving you a trail of clues to solve the case of the app malfunction.
The best part? Mobot isn’t just for tech wizards. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to set up and run tests, even if you’re not a coding guru. Think of it as a robot-translator, turning your app feedback into simple-to-understand reports.
Bugfender
A cloud-hosted remote logging tool called Bugfender is made to find and fix issues early on, before they affect users. In addition to standard crash reports, Bugfender provides customers globally with real-time remote access to application logs for both web and mobile platforms.
Here’s how Bugfender keeps you in the know, even when your app is out in the wild:
Bug Whisperer: When your app crashes, Bugfender is there to catch its last words. It collects detailed crash reports, like a detective gathering clues at the scene of the crime. This helps you figure out what went wrong and stop those crashes from happening again.
Remote Log Reader: Ever wish you could peek inside your app’s mind while it’s running on someone’s phone? Bugfender grants you that superpower! It lets you read real-time logs, like reading your app’s diary to see what it’s up to and how it’s feeling. This way, you can spot problems before they turn into full-blown crises.
Global Network of Spies: Bugfender’s agents are everywhere! It captures data even when the app is offline, storing it until it finds a secure connection. It’s like having secret drop boxes all over the world, ensuring no information gets lost in the field.
Time Traveler: Need to solve a mystery from the past? Bugfender has a time machine! It stores historical logs, letting you travel back in time to see what your app was doing at any given moment. This is like replaying the mission footage to find out where things went wrong.
Secret Code Whisperer: Bugfender doesn’t just speak tech jargon. It translates all those logs and reports into clear, understandable language, even if you’re not a coding expert. It’s like having a personal translator who can decode the secrets of your app’s world.
So, if you want to keep tabs on your app’s undercover adventures and make sure it always completes its mission, Bugfender is your go-to informant.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the best weapon for you depends on your needs and preferences. Consider what type of app you’re building, your budget, and the level of automation you desire.
Remember, a flawless app isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building trust and loyalty with your users. By investing in the right testing tools and wielding them with skill, you can ensure your app delivers a smooth, bug-free experience that delights users and conquers the App Store.
Yatin Sapra 
Ashish Painuly