Developers will be able to offer unlisted applications through the App Store from now on, only those users with a direct link will be able to access them, MacRumors reports. Unlisted applications are not found through search results but they are available to administrators in the Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager.
Unlisted apps are now allowed on Apple App Store
Unlisted applications are ideal for small groups such as event-goers, members of an organization, research participants, or a certain group of workers. In order to create an app unlisted and obtain a link, developers must first submit a request to Apple.
“You’ll need to submit a request to receive a link to your unlisted app. If your app hasn’t been submitted for review or was already approved for public download on the App Store, simply complete the request form. If your app was already approved for private download on Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, you’ll need to create a new app record in App Store Connect, upload your binary, and set the distribution method to Public before completing the request form.”
The app’s distribution method will change to “Unlisted App” after Apple approves the request. Any future versions of that app will also be distributed using this mechanism. If the app is already available on the App Store, the link to it will not be changed.
Apple notes that “unlisted apps must be ready for final distribution. Requests for apps in a beta or pre-release state will be declined.”
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The Developer Enterprise Program, which was developed for developers to test and distribute apps prior to being formally reviewed by Apple, has been used by bad actors to circumvent Apple’s stringent security measures. This led to the hidden existence of pirated games, gambling, and pornography applications that could be quickly sideloaded onto iPhones. It’s unclear how stringently the unlisted app review procedure will be enforced; however, Ars Technica reports that it will apply only to programs with a small audience.
