ios - What values should I use for CFBundleVersion and CFBundleShortVersionString?

Question

This is my first iOS app submission and I don't want my app rejected.

This is from the Apple Docs:

CFBundleVersion (String - iOS, OS X) specifies the build version number of the bundle, which identifies an iteration (released or unreleased) of the bundle. The build version number should be a string comprised of three non-negative, period-separated integers with the first integer being greater than zero. The string should only contain numeric (0-9) and period (.) characters. Leading zeros are truncated from each integer and will be ignored (that is, 1.02.3 is equivalent to 1.2.3). This key is not localizable.

CFBundleShortVersionString (String - iOS, OS X) specifies the release version number of the bundle, which identifies a released iteration of the app. The release version number is a string comprised of three period-separated integers. The first integer represents major revisions to the app, such as revisions that implement new features or major changes. The second integer denotes revisions that implement less prominent features. The third integer represents maintenance releases.

The value for this key differs from the value for “CFBundleVersion,” which identifies an iteration (released or unreleased) of the app. This key can be localized by including it in your InfoPlist.strings files.

But it seems a bit strange. My interpretation for this is to put both values the same, i.e.:

CFBundleVersion: 1.0.0
CFBundleShortVersionString: 1.0.0

Can someone confirm 100% that is what I am supposed to put?

Answer 1

CFBundleShortVersionString gives you the version of your app. It's typically incremented each time you publish your app to the App Store. This is the version that is visible on the "Version" section for the App Store page of your application.

CFBundleVersion gives you the build number which is used for development and testing, namely "technical" purposes. The end user is rarely interested in the build number but during the development you may need to know what's being developed and fixed on each build. This is typically incremented on each iteration of internal release. And you can use continuous integration tools like Jenkins to auto-increment the build number on each build.

The two numbers do not depend on each other but it is a good idea to keep them parallel to avoid confusion. Keep in mind that once your app has passed the App Store review you need to increment the build number like Phil and likeTheSky have stated, regardless of whether you publish it or not.

Use case: Let's say, you have a well-tested build, ready for submission. It's version number is 1.0.0 and build number is 1.0.0.32. Once you submit your app, you need to update the version as 1.0.1 and build number as 1.0.1.0.