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Unlisted Option for iOS App Distribution
Learn about unlisted app distribution, an alternative to the traditional public and private app distribution options. Unlisted app distribution is sometimes appropriate for apps that were rejected from App Store public distribution.
Apple provides an unlisted app distribution option for app developers to distribute apps through the App Store that aren’t suitable for broad public consumption. With unlisted app distribution, you distribute your app to an audience of your choosing through a direct URL link. Your unlisted app isn’t searchable in the App Store, nor is it visible in any App Store categories or listings. Keep in mind that anyone with the download link can download your app. Consider this information carefully if it’s important that your app is available only to members of your organization.
If Apple rejected your organization’s public iOS app because of section 3.2 of Apple’s Review Guidelines, the unlisted app distribution option is worth considering. You provide your full-featured application to your target iOS users, without worrying about making your app relevant to the broader public or needing additional expertise in managing a private distribution.
Unlisted vs. Private Distribution
To learn more about the many differences between public and private distribution, see App Distribution Type Considerations. In this section, we list some advantages of the unlisted distribution option compared to private distribution.
- Less overhead: Private distribution requires an Apple Business Manager (ABM) ID for every country that you want to privately distribute your app in. Unlisted distribution has no such requirement.
- Simple to change from public to unlisted: When you have an approved private app on the App Store, it’s difficult to convert it back to public or unlisted distribution. Switching from a public distribution to unlisted is simpler.
- Ease of use: Private distribution requires use of ABM, setting up MDM policies, and managed Apple IDs. Unlisted apps are accessed through a simple and shareable link, and your users can easily download your app onto their iOS device.
Distribute My App as Unlisted
To distribute your app as unlisted, complete your app testing and handle any outstanding rejections raised by the Apple reviewer.
After Apple rejects the final app submission for 3.2 guidelines, and Mobile Publisher confirms that it’s OK to submit the request for unlisted, you can submit a request to Apple to submit your app as unlisted (Apple Developer sign-in required).
For more information about Apple’s distribution options, including the unlisted option, refer to this Explore unlisted app distribution video.
