app store connect - Will submitting a build for TestFlight Beta Testing stop the Final Review Test for the same build?

Question

The new TestFlight integration is great but it is generating a bit of confusion, and now that my app has been in 'Waiting for Review' status for over 10 days, i'm worried i don't fully understand it.

I have an app Ver 1.1 Build 567 now selected for 'Final Review for the App Store'. It is currently in the 'Waiting for Review' status. Some time later, i toggled the TestFlight Beta Testing switch for that version and invited a few Internal testers. I have to questions that should seem obvious from reading the documentation but have eluded me so far.

1. will toggling the 'TestFlight Beta Testing' switch immediately pause the current build that was already 'Waiting for Review for Sale'?

2. if that's not the case, and i don't have to worry about that, the follow-up relates to external testing. will clicking 'Submit for Beta App Review' pause the current build that was already 'Waiting for Review for Sale'? in other words, can you have the same build in review for both the app store and beta testing at the same time?

If the answer is yes to both questions, then i'll have to upload a new Pre-Release version (1.2), and select that version for Beta Testing, which of course would force me to turn Beta Testing off for version 1.1. This should definitely allow me to have two different builds, across two different versions in parallel review states - one for the store, and one for the beta testing.

Confirmation of this behaviour would be greatly appreciated.

Nuno

Answer 1

I can now answer this as Apple has just review and passed my App.

After my last release it was brought to my attention that some users were getting locked out of the App. I fixed the issue and submitted to Apple for review.

While awaiting review I switched on TestFlight and invited locked out users who had emailed me.

After 9 days I started wondering if having a running TestFlight would put on hold Apple reviewing that release.

That's how I found this, unanswered, question. So for anyone else who finds themselves here asking the same thing, don't worry, Apple will review as normal even with an active TestFlight and external testers using it.