Apple App Store adds unlisted app option

Apple now supports unlisted apps on its App Store. These will be discoverable only with a direct link and will not be available to the general public on the platform. Apple envisions these apps to be used for limited audiences such as employees, students or conference attendees and the new apps will be available via the Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager platforms. Unlisted apps will still have to be approved by Apple’s App Review team.

Unlisted apps will need to be “ready for final distribution” meaning betas and pre-release builds will not be eligible. Developers whose apps are already listed on the App Store and want to have unlisted versions will simply need to submit a new request for an unlisted version.

Apps only approved to go on the Apple Business Manager or School Manage platforms will need to take extra steps such as creating a new app record in the App Store, uploading the binary, and then setting the distribution method to Public before completing the unlisted request form. Apple also recommends that devs use a mechanism on their apps that prevents unauthorized use.

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