---
description: Debug, Release, and custom build types for native iOS and Android builds in Capawesome Cloud. Configure for dev and production.
title: Native Build Types for Android and iOS - Capawesome
image: https://capawesome.io/docs/assets/images/social/cloud/native-builds/build-types.png
---

[ Skip to content](#build-types) 

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* [  iOS Build Types ](#ios-build-types)

# Build Types[¶](#build-types "Permanent link")

Build types determine how your app is compiled and signed, affecting its behavior and distribution method. When creating a build in Capawesome Cloud, you select the appropriate build type based on your needs.

## Android Build Types[¶](#android-build-types "Permanent link")

### Debug[¶](#debug "Permanent link")

The Debug build type is optimized for development and testing. It includes debugging information, is not optimized for performance, and is signed with a debug keystore. Use this type during active development when you need to test features quickly.

### Release[¶](#release "Permanent link")

The Release build type is optimized for production deployment. It includes code optimization, obfuscation (if configured), and must be signed with your release keystore. This build type is **required for publishing** to the Google Play Store.

### Custom[¶](#custom "Permanent link")

Custom build types allow you to define additional build variants beyond Debug and Release. For example, you might create a `staging` build type for pre-production testing or a `qa` build type for quality assurance with specific configurations.

To use a custom build type, set the `ANDROID_BUILD_TYPE` environment variable to your custom build type name. Learn more about environment variables in the [Environments](/docs/cloud/native-builds/environments/) documentation.

## iOS Build Types[¶](#ios-build-types "Permanent link")

### Simulator[¶](#simulator "Permanent link")

Simulator builds are compiled for the iOS Simulator on macOS. These builds run on your development machine and are useful for rapid testing during development without needing a physical device. Simulator builds **cannot be installed** on actual iOS devices.

### Development[¶](#development "Permanent link")

Development builds are signed with a development certificate and can be installed on devices registered in your Apple Developer account. This build type is ideal for testing on physical devices during development, allowing you to test device-specific features like camera, GPS, and push notifications.

### Ad Hoc[¶](#ad-hoc "Permanent link")

Ad Hoc builds are signed with a distribution certificate and can be distributed to a limited number of devices (up to 100) registered in your Apple Developer account. This build type is perfect for beta testing with a specific group of users outside of TestFlight, or for internal distribution to team members.

### App Store[¶](#app-store "Permanent link")

App Store builds are signed with a distribution certificate and are intended for submission to the App Store. When you deploy this build type through [App Store Publishing](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/), it is sent to **TestFlight** rather than directly to the App Store. From there, you can share it with testers or promote it to the App Store for production release.

### Enterprise[¶](#enterprise "Permanent link")

Enterprise builds are signed with an Apple Developer Enterprise certificate and can be distributed internally within your organization without going through the App Store. This build type is only available if you have an **Apple Developer Enterprise Program membership** and is designed for in-house distribution to employees.

May 7, 2026 

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