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<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Developers may sometimes have apps that are not suitable for public distribution through the App Store. To release those apps, Apple provides several distribution options. Each option has its benefits and limitations. Before we dive into Unlisted App Distribution, let’s briefly discuss other distribution methods and their pros and cons.</div>
<h2>Options for Distribution</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">When choosing the best distribution method for an app, consider the following options available on App Store:</div>
<ul class="">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a0">Ad Hoc: Suitable for small teams or specific beta testing, Ad Hoc distribution allows up to 100 devices per year. Device UDIDs must be manually added, and since iOS 16, Developer Mode is required to run apps with Ad Hoc profiles, which can complicate the process and impact security. Appcircle automates much of this process, though the manual steps may still become challenging for larger teams.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a0">Enterprise: For large organizations with over 100 employees, the Apple Developer Enterprise Program enables internal distribution without requiring App Store approval. Strict guidelines apply, such as legal entity status, a D-U-N-S number, and continuous Apple audits. Devices need to trust an enterprise certificate to install these apps. Appcircle’s <a href="https://appcircle.io/enterprise-app-store">Enterprise App Store</a> simplifies this process by providing a secure internal distribution platform, allowing companies to control access while keeping apps off public channels.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a0">TestFlight: TestFlight is Apple&#8217;s official beta testing platform, supporting unreleased or beta versions of apps. Developers can invite up to 10,000 testers using email or a public link, but builds expire after 90 days and need Apple review. While Appcircle simplifies submitting builds to TestFlight, the manual user management and frequent renewals may require additional time for large teams.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a0">Custom Apps: Through Apple Business Manager or School Manager, custom apps can be distributed securely to specific organizations, partners, or educational institutions. This method offers flexibility, as apps can be shared with authorized users, but it often requires Mobile Device Management (MDM) for ongoing IT oversight. This process may be too complex for teams without dedicated IT resources.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a0">Unlisted Apps: Unlisted apps are distributed through a direct link and are not discoverable on App Store. This option offers a similar download experience to regular apps but keeps them hidden from public search. Unlisted apps provide controlled access without requiring Developer Mode or enterprise certificates, making them a streamlined option for targeted distribution.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to Request Unlisted App Status on App Store</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">To request unlisted app status, follow these steps:</div>
<ol class="scriptor-listCounterlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35 scriptor-listCounterResetlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">Navigate to your app&#8217;s page on <a href="https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener">App Store Connect</a>.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">Before submitting the app for review, include a note in the Reviewer Notes section specifying that the app is intended for unlisted distribution.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">Submit the app for review as though it will be publicly available on App Store.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">After completing the submission, locate the relevant documentation in Apple&#8217;s official guidelines and fill out the Submit a Request form linked there.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-52e79088-efdb-4aeb-a688-645405463bb35">Ensure the form is completed by the Account Holder, as submissions from other roles may be rejected.</li>
</ol>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Once your request is approved, your app will be published as unlisted on App Store. This means it will not appear in public search results but will remain accessible to anyone with the direct link.</div>
<h3>Advantages of Unlisted Apps</h3>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Unlisted apps are a beneficial option for:</div>
<ul class="">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a2">Enterprise organizations managing internal tools.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a2">Schools sharing educational resources with students.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a2">Conferences or events needing restricted app access.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a2">Testing new features with a select group of users.</li>
</ul>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">This approach offers flexibility without sacrificing security, giving organizations the ability to reach specific audiences without making the app fully public.</div>
<h2>How Appcircle Simplifies Unlisted App Management</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Appcircle enhances unlisted app distribution by streamlining the process with automated tools and secure distribution channels. With Appcircle, organizations can manage app building, signing, and direct distribution to ensure that their app remains secure and accessible only to intended users.</div>
<ul class="">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a3"><a href="https://appcircle.io/publish-to-stores" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Publish to Store Automation</a>: Simplifies the distribution process by automating submission steps for unlisted apps, reducing manual work.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a3"><a href="https://appcircle.io/testing-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Testing Distribution</a>: Provides a testing environment before the app goes live, allowing enterprises to validate features securely.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a3"><a href="https://appcircle.io/signing-identities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Signing Identities</a>: Handles all app signing needs, ensuring your app is protected and follows Apple’s security requirements.</li>
</ul>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">By leveraging Appcircle&#8217;s comprehensive features, managing unlisted apps becomes a seamless process, from initial development to distribution.</div>
<h2>Key Considerations for Unlisted App Distribution</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">When distributing unlisted apps, it’s important to:</div>
<ol class="scriptor-listCounterlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a4 scriptor-listCounterResetlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a4">
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a4">Regularly update app permissions to maintain access control.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a4">Monitor feedback from users who have the direct link.</li>
<li class="scriptor-listItemlist!list-3afc16a8-e4a1-4262-8770-77553987a08a4">Ensure compliance with Apple’s guidelines to avoid issues with the unlisted status.</li>
</ol>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Appcircle’s tools allow you to easily update and manage your app, providing flexibility in adapting to any new requirements Apple might introduce for unlisted apps.</div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<div class="scriptor-paragraph">Unlisted app distribution on App Store offers developers a controlled way to reach specific audiences without making their apps publicly available. By understanding the various distribution methods—such as Ad Hoc, Enterprise, TestFlight, and Custom Apps—developers can select the approach that best fits their needs. While each method has its own advantages, unlisted apps provide a balance of accessibility and privacy. With Appcircle’s tools, managing unlisted apps becomes even easier, offering seamless automation, secure distribution, and efficient app management tailored to your organization’s needs.</div>
</div>

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Unlisted App Distribution on the App Store

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