Question 1

Do I need a Mac at any point?

Accepted Answer

Not to compile, sign, or upload. Builds run on Capgo's Mac mini M4 machines. You still need an Apple Developer account. On Windows or Linux, you create the App Store Connect API key in your browser, then the CLI handles certificates and profiles.

Question 2

How long does an iOS build take?

Accepted Answer

A typical native build takes 2–3 minutes. Logs stream to your terminal while it runs, so you see errors as they happen.

Question 3

Can the build go straight to TestFlight?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With an App Store Connect API key in your credentials, the signed build uploads to App Store Connect, where you test it in TestFlight and submit it for App Store review. Add --output-upload if you also want a download link for the IPA.

Question 4

Where are my certificates stored?

Accepted Answer

On your machine, in ~/.capgo-credentials/credentials.json by default, or in your CI secrets. They are sent to Capgo only for the duration of a build and deleted afterwards.

Question 5

Do I need a new build for every change?

Accepted Answer

No. Plugin, permission, icon, and Capacitor version changes need a new native build. JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and asset changes can ship as live updates to users who already have the store build.