On a page dedicated to developers, Apple now offers a new application distribution option… Which does not go through the App Store. Those “unlisted apps” (unlisted, in English) cannot therefore be found on the Apple download kiosk. They will not appear in any “App Store categories, recommendations, rankings, search results or other listings”explains Apple.
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Of course, we think of sideloading, this ability to download applications outside the official Apple or Google Stores. However, we are still quite a long way from that. The applications will only be accessible via a direct link, or through the Apple Business and School Manager platforms.
In addition, Apple specifies that to be able to become “an unlisted application”, a program must be intended “to a limited audience”. For example, applications designed for employees, for specific events, for sales/sales, or research.
This solution is not there to replace distribution via certificates or via TestFlight, since unlisted software should not be in beta or early access. In addition, Apple specifies that new or already existing applications may be distributed in this way. However, once an application has been validated for this mode of distribution, all its future versions will also be unlisted. Pre-existing apps will retain their link to the App Store.
Should we see in this a desire to make distribution methods more flexible for certain applications only, or a repetition for a greater opening in the future? A way to always retain control over the validation process of applications while letting them be downloaded elsewhere than in the App Store? Future court decisions and laws may tell us.
Sources: Apple documentation via MacRumors