If you are looking to run a native build without using Expo Go on a physical iOS device (not a simulator), you can plug in your device to your computer by cable and use the following code:

npx expo run:ios --device

This is useful in cases when you need to test notifications, native code, etc.

Alternatively, if you're using yarn, try:

yarn expo run:ios --device

It is possible to make an application without the developmentClient. My eas.json preview looks like this:

    "preview": {
      "distribution": "internal"
    },

By using the following command

eas build --profile preview --platform android

If your app crashes, you can install the newly build application on an emulator or on your own device and link with it through adb

First look for the devices

adb devices

and then link with it and look for errors. This command will only show errors in real time.

adb logcat "*:E"

For Google I both use the internal testing option since this is way handier than sending out .apk files to each person. And it updates automatically!

For IOS, i found no other way than using TestFlight.