How do I produce an iOS Release Build that my client can sign on their end?

Question

My scenario

I wrote an iOS app for a client. The project is almost over and now it\'s time for them to put it in the App Store. I\'ve been sending t

Answer 1

I just confirmed at WWDC 2012 that the following technique works. It best satisfies my constraints of little client involvement, low client expertise, a simple signing process, and source code ownership.

1. Client invites developer to their team in the Member Center as an Admin
2. Developer accepts the invite (should be in your email)
3. Developer opens Xcode's Organizer -> Devices Tab -> Provisioning Profiles and hits Refresh in the lower-right corner. Make sure you choose the right team and you should get a few new items.
4. In Xcode, leave Code Signing Identity settings to their default values (or reset them to iPhone Developer for Any iOS SDK)
5. Archive the app
6. In Organizer, right-click the archive and select Show in Finder
7. Send the .xcarchive file to your client
8. Client must have Xcode installed
9. Client double-clicks the .xcarchive file which should open it in Organizer
10. Client clicks Distribute and signs the app with their identity
11. Profit

This does require the client to use the Member Center on developer.apple.com and to use Xcode a little bit (but just the Organizer!). If your client has technical capability problems at this level then I recommend just taking over and doing it for them (and charging for it!). Ask for their developer login and password and just act on their behalf as if you were an employee.

Ed note: Trading keys around is a terrible compromise because it's more technical and involved for the client and more hacky and risky for the developer. It should be considered a non-option given these two better options.