Testing Native Mobile Applications on a Physical iOS Device

Note: To test native mobile applications or hybrid applications with Silk Test Workbench, you require a native mobile license. For additional information, see Licensing Information.

For information on the prerequisites for testing mobile applications on iOS, see Prerequisites for Testing Mobile Applications on iOS. For information on the known limitations when testing native mobile applications, see Limitations for Testing Mobile Native Applications.

To test a native mobile application (app) or a hybrid application on a physical iOS device, perform the following tasks:

Prepare the iOS device for testing. For additional information, see Preparing an iOS Device for Testing.
Prepare the app for testing. For additional information, see Preparing an iOS App for Testing.
Prepare the Mac for testing. For additional information, see Preparing a Mac for Testing Mobile Applications on iOS.
Add the Mac, to which the iOS device is connected, as a remote location to the Windows machine on which Silk Test is installed. For additional information, see Editing Remote Locations.
Note: At any given point in time, you can test on multiple physical iOS devices that are connected to the Mac, but only on one iOS Simulator that is running on the Mac. With Silk Test 17.5 Hotfix 1 or later, you are no longer required to use multiple user sessions on a Mac to test mobile applications on iOS.
Create a Silk Test Workbench project for your mobile application.
Create a test for your mobile application.
Record the actions that you want to execute in the test. When you start the Recording window, the Select Application dialog box opens.
Select the Mobile tab.
Select the mobile device, on which you want to test the app, from the list.
Select the native mobile application.
- If you want to install the app on the mobile device or emulator, click Browse to select the app file or enter the full path to the app file into the App file text field. Silk Test Workbench supports HTTP and UNC formats for the path.
- If you want to use an app that is already installed on an iOS device, specify the Bundle ID.
- If you want to use an app that is available in Mobile Center, specify the App identifier.
Click OK. An iOS device or Simulator must not fall into sleep mode during testing. To turn the screen lock and password off, select Settings > Touch ID & Code.
When you have recorded all actions, stop recording.
Replay the test.
Analyze the test results.

Note: To test a native mobile app on both an iOS device and an iOS Simulator, ensure that the signed .ipa file and the zipped .app directory have the same name, except for the file extension, and are located in the same folder.