How to collect data for dissertation if the work wasn't published
Very hard to answer without knowing the details of your work, the app in question, more background, and what other contributions you can make part of your dissertation. But… even if a formal release isn't possible by the deadline, couldn't you arrange for testing on outside people but on your devices (instead of theirs)? That way, you can load the app on a series of say, 10 devices, then have people test it (sort of a focus group)…