San Francisco, January 30
Tech giant Apple announced in an update on its developer website that the App Store now supports unlisted apps that can only be accessed through a link.
An unlisted app distribution allows developers to release apps that are not intended for public use, AppleInsider reports.
These apps will not appear in any App Store categories, recommendation charts, search results, or lists. The apps can also be accessed through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, the report said.
Developers will be able to distribute the apps to a limited audience, which can include part-time employees, partners, affiliates, or conference attendees.
Additionally, applications may be distributed to employee-owned devices that may not qualify for the mobile device management platform.
Apple said that apps that target “specific organizations, special events, research studies, or apps used as employee resources or sales tools” are all good use cases for distributing unlisted apps.
The feature is currently available by request only. Developers will need to submit a request to receive a link to an unlisted app.
Apple has indicated that unlisted apps must be ready for distribution — the company will reject any app in beta or pre-release status.
Developers will be able to create unlisted distribution links for both new and existing applications. If an application is approved, the application distribution method will change to “Unlisted Application” for current and future versions.
If the app is already listed in the App Store, its main menu will remain unchanged. – Jans
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