Publishing Unlisted MemberPress App to Apple App Store

Unlisted apps allow you to distribute private or specialized applications such as internal employee tools, event-specific apps, or research study apps without making them discoverable in the public App Store. These apps never appear in search results, charts, or categories and can only be accessed via a direct link or through Apple Business Manager/Apple School Manager. This guide explains how to request an unlisted distribution in App Store Connect and share your app once approved.

Understanding Unlisted App Distribution

Unlisted app distribution requirements define configurations for private application sharing without public App Store visibility and discoverability.

Private distribution enablement allows app sharing with specific audiences without a public store presence. Unlisted apps serve specialized purposes requiring controlled access and limited visibility.

Direct link access provides the only method for unlisted app discovery and installation. Apps remain invisible in search results, recommendations, charts, and category browsing.

Business Manager integration enables enterprise distribution through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager. Integration supports organization-specific deployment and management workflows.

Eligibility requirements vary based on current app status and distribution method. Proper request submission ensures approval for unlisted distribution configuration.

Audience targeting restricts app access to intended users through controlled link distribution. Limited sharing maintains privacy and prevents unauthorized installations.

Understanding Unlisted Apps

Unlisted apps provide private distribution capabilities for specialized use cases requiring controlled access.

Unlisted apps:

• Do not appear in App Store search, recommendations, charts, or categories.
• Are accessible only via a direct link.
• Can be distributed through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
• Are ideal for:
  • Organization-specific tools;
  • Event-related applications;
  • Research or study apps;
  • Internal sales resources.

Requesting Unlisted Distribution

Unlisted distribution request initiates approval process for private app sharing configuration in App Store Connect.

Note: Before starting, check your app's current status in App Store Connect.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility determination establishes the proper request workflow based on the current app status and distribution method.

• If your app has never been reviewed or is already approved for public download > Complete the Unlisted App Request form directly.
• If your app is approved for private distribution in Apple Business Manager or School Manager > Create a new app record in App Store Connect, upload your binary, set the distribution method to Public, and then complete the request form.

Steps to Submit Request

Request submission provides Apple with the necessary information for unlisted distribution approval evaluation.

1. In App Store Connect, open the Unlisted App Request form.
   
2. Enter:
   • App Name;
   • App ID.
     
3. Describe:
   • The business problem your app solves;
   • Why do you want an unlisted distribution;
   • Your target audience size.
     
4. Mark:
   • The audience category;
   • Applicable regions.
5. Accept the terms and conditions.
   
6. Click Submit.

Note: You'll receive a confirmation email once approved. If rejected, review Apple's feedback, update your submission, and reapply.

Distributing Unlisted App

Unlisted app distribution provides direct link sharing, enabling controlled access for intended audience members.

1. In App Store Connect, go to General > Pricing and Availability > App Distribution Methods.
   
2. Locate your unlisted distribution link.
   
3. Share this link only with your intended audience.

The link will not appear elsewhere in the App Store.

Tips for Smooth Process

Process optimization ensures efficient unlisted distribution approval and proper link management.