iOS Question Can you make an app "Private" in the app store?

[JohnC]

I came across this tweet....


It seems to suggest that you can post an app in the app store, but "Request" for it to not be public.

So, is this another way to privately distribute an app without needing device UDID's or getting an enterprise account or using the limited OTA method?

Has anyone tried this?

 

[Erel]

Interesting. The main problem is that you will still need to get your app approved and Apple might reject it if it targets a "small" audience.

 

[JohnC]

Just found this article with the new option of "unlisted app" as of 1/2022:

https://getonthestore.com/private-app-distribution/

Details of "Unlisted" apps:

Unlisted App Distribution - Support - Apple Developer

developer.apple.com

 

[Sandman]

Interesting. The main problem is that you will still need to get your app approved and Apple might reject it if it targets a "small" audience.

I'm guessing that the "small audience" thing doesn't apply in the same way if it's an unlisted app. Wouldn't that make sense?

 

[Erel]

Makes sense, but I will not be surprised if they reject the app.
I guess that we would have heard about this option earlier if it was very useful.

This is just an uneducated guess of mine.

 

[JohnC]

The "Private Distribution (Custom App)" option looks interesting, especially with it's "Lest Strict" app review.

 

[Sandman]

I guess that we would have heard about this option earlier if it was very useful.

Perhaps. But on the other hand it's a niche feature and if I understood it correctly they introduced it only last year. So it's not entirely unreasonable this is the first we've heard about it.

 

[JohnC]

Perhaps. But on the other hand it's a niche feature and if I understood it correctly they introduced it only last year. So it's not entirely unreasonable this is the first we've heard about it.

Actually, in that article it says "Unlisted App (added January 2022)" which means it has only been available for a month.

 

[Sandman]

Thanks, you're right, I misremembered. Also makes my point even stronger.

 

[Erel]

Actually, in that article it says "Unlisted App (added January 2022)" which means it has only been available for a month

Good news!

 

[MarcoRome]

Anyone has news about it ? ( That would be a great thing )

 

[MarcoRome]

From the article

Unlisted App Distribution - Support - Apple Developer

developer.apple.com

posted by @JohnC we read:

"They can also be accessed through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager."
So an account as a developer is not enough, but you need the Apple Business account or Apple School Manager which in fact they can already distribute without publishing.
I wrong ?