Moving from Ionic Appflow to Codemagic

Ionic Appflow being discontinued, what’s next?

If you’re using Ionic Appflow for your mobile app development, you’ve probably heard that it’s being phased out by December 31st, 2027, with no promises if that means they will keep the build stacks being updated until then.

While this news might feel like a curveball, it’s also a chance to switch to a new CI/CD platform that can keep your projects running smoothly. We have been migrating our clients to Codemagic.io as an alternative to Ionic Appflow so that we can keep everything running smoothly on the latest build stacks. If you need extra support, our team is ready to help.

What is Codemagic?

Codemagic is a cloud-based CI/CD platform tailored for mobile developers, making it an ideal choice for Ionic teams transitioning from Appflow. As defined on their website:

Codemagic is a cloud-based Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) product specifically designed for mobile developers building apps with Flutter, React Native, native iOS, native Android, Unity, Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile, .NET MAUI, and Ionic. Codemagic’s API and versatile workflow configurations also provide a great platform for mobile development teams who are white-labeling their apps.

Why Codemagic?

Codemagic offers strong support for Ionic, Capacitor, Cordova, and even Flutter or React Native. Here’s why we’re transitioning from Appflow:

• Faster Builds: Codemagic’s macOS M2 and Max Studio machines can cut build times dramatically—some developers report drops from 40 minutes to 5-6 minutes.
• Full-Featured CI/CD: It handles everything from automatic iOS code signing to integrations with TestFlight, Google Play, and Firebase App Distribution. Plus, it supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, similar to Appflow’s Live Updates.
• Cost Savings: Many teams find Codemagic more affordable. For example, a Reddit user mentioned reducing their monthly costs from $507 with Appflow to under $20 with Codemagic for comparable features.
• Clear Documentation: Codemagic’s detailed guides and flexible codemagic.yaml configuration make it easy to set up, even for complex Ionic projects.

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Here is the plan we’ve been using to get our Ionic apps up and running in Codemagic:

1. Review Appflow Setup

Take stock of your current Appflow workflows. Are you using Live Updates for OTA deployments? Do you rely on native builds for iOS and Android? List your Git repository (e.g., GitHub, Bitbucket) and any specific configurations like environment variables or signing certificates. This will guide your Codemagic setup.

2. Get Started with Codemagic

Sign up at codemagic.io. You can begin with the free tier or try a 30-day premium trial. Go to the “Applications” page, click “Add application,” and connect your Git repository. Select your project type (Ionic Capacitor or Cordova).

3. Set Up codemagic.yaml

Codemagic uses a codemagic.yaml file to define workflows, offering more control than Appflow’s dashboard. You’ll create workflows for Capacitor or Cordova, specifying platforms and tasks like dependency installation, building, and publishing.

See Codemagic’s Ionic Capacitor docs for more details.

4. Manage Code Signing

Codemagic simplifies iOS code signing with automatic or manual options. Upload your Apple Developer certificates or use the App Store Connect API. For Android, add your keystore file to environment variables. Encrypt sensitive data in Codemagic’s UI for security.

5. Replace Live Updates

Appflow’s Live Updates made OTA deployments easy. Codemagic supports OTA updates via integrations like CodePush for Cordova or Shorebird for Flutter. For Capacitor, consider Capgo (starting at $14/month) for similar functionality. Configure your app to fetch updates from a custom server or use Codemagic’s build artifacts.

6. Test and Publish

Run a test build by selecting your workflow in Codemagic’s UI and clicking “Start new build.” Check that artifacts (.ipa or .apk files) generate correctly. Set up publishing to TestFlight, Google Play, or Firebase App Distribution in the publishing section of your codemagic.yaml. Codemagic’s logs and debugging tools make troubleshooting straightforward.

7. Automate and Optimize

Enable automatic builds for repository events (e.g., new commits) to replicate Appflow’s automation. Add scripts for testing or notifications (e.g., Slack, email). Codemagic’s preinstalled software, like the latest Xcode and Android SDKs, ensures compatibility without manual updates.

Potential Challenges

• YAML Learning Curve: The codemagic.yaml file can feel complex compared to Appflow’s UI. Codemagic’s documentation helps, but expect some trial and error.
• OTA Updates: Replicating Appflow’s Live Updates may require extra setup, especially for Capacitor apps.
• Build Issues: Some users report occasional build failures. Codemagic’s SSH access and logs help resolve issues quickly.

Success Stories with Codemagic

• Big Names Trust It: Companies like Toyota and Schneider Electric use Codemagic for Ionic and Flutter pipelines, benefiting from faster builds and reliable automation.
• Cost Efficiency: A Reddit user cut costs from $507/month with Appflow to under $20 with Codemagic, with no compromise on features.
• iOS Simplicity: Codemagic makes iOS builds accessible without a Mac, streamlining a process Appflow users will appreciate.

Montana Banana has been building Ionic apps for years and have navigated the Appflow-to-Codemagic transition ourselves. We can handle everything from configuring your codemagic.yaml to setting up OTA updates and ensuring your apps are ready for TestFlight and Google Play. Reach out to us for a consultation, and we’ll help you with your migration.

Moving from Ionic Appflow to Codemagic is a chance to streamline your CI/CD pipeline with faster builds, robust features, and potential cost savings. Follow the steps above, tap into Codemagic’s resources, and you’ll be back to shipping great apps in no time.