Apple will support unlisted apps on App Store: Accessible only through private links

Apple is introducing a new support where apps not listed on the App Store can only be accessed via a direct link. Developers will be able to apply to Apple when they think their applications are not suitable for general use, and applications approved by the technology giant will only be accessible via a link.

Apps not listed in the App Store

A new support has been revealed on Apple’s developer site. The company says that apps that have been approved as unlisted will not appear in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings.

The Cupertino-based tech giant states that unlisted apps are available for certain service areas, such as guests of a special event, members of an organization, or a specific group of employees, although they may not be relevant to the general public.

Developers will also be able to submit approval requests for their existing listed apps. If the app is confirmed as unlisted, the link address will remain the same but will no longer appear in any category and can only be accessed via that link.

Developers who will send a request for approval for a new application directly, have to send the final ready-to-deploy version of the application to the company. Apple states that it will not approve any apps that are still in beta or pre-release status.

Once an app has been certified as unlisted by Apple, unlisted status will also apply to any future versions of software that the developer may release. Also, there will be no change in the link addresses.