What's the difference between “version number” in iTunes Connect, “bundle version”, “bundle version string” in Xcode?

Question

Apple\'s doc could have been more clear on how to submit an update version.

As asked in the title, What\'s the difference between

1. version number in itu

Answer 1

Yes they are related but their definition depends on how they are used.

• iTunes Connect Version

  Always must be a version number, e.g. 1.0

Usage mode 1 - Only CFBundleVersion is set

• Bundle Version (CFBundleVersion)

  Must be a version number, e.g. 1.0. Must match the iTunes Connect Version.

Usage mode 2 - Both CFBundleVersion and CFBundleShortVersionString are set

• Bundle Version (CFBundleVersion)

  Must be a build number, e.g. a single integer like 435163.

• Bundle Short Version String (CFBundleShortVersionString)

  Must be a version number, e.g. 1.0. Must match the iTunes Connect Version.

Usage mode 2 is the best way to go. Here are some example numbers for an app's upgrade path:

CFBundleShortVersionString CFBundleVersion 
1.0                        1
1.0.1                      2
1.0.2                      3
1.2                        5  (build 4 was a beta and never released publicly)
1.2.1                      6

An extra note on version numbers: If you submit a minor update (e.g. bug fix) to your app you must never miss out periods in the version number, e.g always use 1.0.1 and NEVER 1.01 or you will risk not being able to use certain version numbers in the future because it won't be possible to increment them.