Apple has started adding unlisted apps on the App Store that are only be accessible via a direct link. The App Store has more than a million apps of all descriptions, including games, streaming services, social media platforms, productivity suites, photography apps, and more. While most of them are publicly-listed and are available for all users, the latest provision will now make for 'secret' apps that are only available to a select few.
Apple opened the App Store in 2008 with a mere 500 apps before expanding it exponentially over the next decade. The total number of apps hit a high of 2.2 million a few years ago but Apple has since removed thousands of 32-bit applications and other apps that do not follow the App Store guidelines. While the App Store system has come under fire from various sectors over the years, it remains one of the most successful business models, and one that's been replicated by many companies, including Google, Samsung, Huawei, and more.
Apple announced that its App Store has added support for unlisted apps that can only be accessed via direct links. In a post on its developer website, the company said that the new provision will help developers release apps that aren’t suited for public distribution. The new apps won't appear in any App Store categories, nor will they be part of any "recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings." However, the apps will be accessible through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, allowing businesses and educational institutions to distribute in-house apps that only their authorized employees, faculty, and students can use. The new option will be available in all regions supported by the App Store.
Unlisted Apps On The App Store
Developers are required to make a request to Apple to receive approval for unlisted app distribution. If their request is approved, a link will be generated that can be used to access the app on the App Store, including by Apple Business and School Manager users. If the app is already on the App Store then its link will remain unchanged.
The company also said that only stable versions of apps will be accepted for unlisted availability. In other words, beta or pre-release versions will be declined. It is also worth noting that once an app is approved, its distribution method cannot be changed, which suggests that developers wanting to make a change might have to pull their app from the App Store and reapply to Apple for new approval.
Source: Apple