How to share a working app build with stakeholders before it ships

Sharing unreleased mobile app builds is often difficult for nontechnical stakeholders because Apple and Google distribution processes require accounts, device registration, app installs, or tester enrollment, so the most suitable method depends largely on how much setup the recipient can tolerate and whether reviews are one-time or recurring. The lowest-friction option is a browser-hosted simulator link, which allows stakeholders to interact with an iOS Simulator or Android emulator without installing anything, though it cannot fully test hardware-dependent features such as cameras, biometrics, push notifications, or real-device performance. Other approaches include direct internal builds, such as Android APK links or iOS ad hoc builds that require registered device UDIDs and an Apple Developer membership; store-based TestFlight and Google Play testing tracks, which provide more conventional beta distribution but require store accounts, apps, reviews, and tester lists; and JavaScript-based preview updates for reviewers who have already installed a development build, enabling near-instant updates without changing native code. Expo’s EAS tools support these methods through Expo Simulators, EAS Build and internal distribution, EAS Submit for store tracks, and EAS Update for preview releases, although simulator functionality remains early access and iOS distribution retains Apple-imposed limits. For one-off executive demonstrations, browser simulators or internal links are generally most practical, while regular reviewers such as designers and QA contractors benefit from an initial development-build installation followed by frequent preview updates.

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