Unlisted Apps Will Now be Accepted in Apple's App Store

Apple has added a new option to the App Store that may help to declutter it. The marketplace now offers unlisted apps that consumers can only access through a direct link, according to support documentation obtained by a reliable source. If a developer believes their software isn’t suitable for public usage, they can request that it be distributed as an unlisted app through Apple’s website.

According to Apple, if the request is granted, the software will not display “in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings.” Unlisted apps can be accessed through Apple’s Business and School Manager platforms if you don’t have a direct link.

The new distribution mechanism, according to the company, is suitable for apps that were created for specific organizations, unique events, research initiatives, and other similar use cases. It does emphasize, though, that unlisted applications are not a substitute for its TestFlight process, since it will reject software in a pre-release or beta form.

However, Apple states that new and old apps will be considered. After an app is authorized, the developer’s status as an unlisted app will extend to any subsequent versions of the software they release. Any current apps’ App Store links will stay the same.