Assume you’ve finished developing an iOS app and are ready to launch it. You now wish to publish it.
But do you know how to distribute an iOS app without using the App Store?
When it comes to app publishing, the Apple app store is the most viable choice that comes to mind.
However, there are alternatives to using the app store to distribute iOS apps.
In today’s article, we’ll go over how to publish iOS apps without using the App Store.
But before that, let us first clarify something.
Why is it Necessary to Distribute an iOS App without using the App Store?
The Apple APP Store is the most popular platform for iOS app distribution. It makes your app available to all Apple users and even helps you monetize it by allowing you to specify in-app purchases and a purchase price.
When you publish your software on the iOS store, it reaches a much larger audience. Although the platform is user-friendly for developers, the app approval process might be difficult. The approval process can sometimes be extremely slow.
It can take months for an app to be approved in some circumstances. The approval procedure guarantees that your app adheres to the rules. Your app will be rejected if it has any performance issues, is buggy, or contains spam. You can also learn why your program was rejected by the Apple App Store.
If the app approval process is becoming too difficult for you, there are a number of other ways to share an iOS app. The following are some of the alternatives:
Ways to Distribute an iOS App without Utilizing the App Store
Ad-hoc Deployment
For developers who want to distribute an iOS app for a private beta or a temporary distribution, Apple provides an Ad-hoc app deployment option. The app developer must send the app binary to each user via e-mail or a download URL during this procedure.
Developers must include the UDID of each device and register it with the Apple member center to ensure that binary works on the user’s device.
Until the app binary is registered in the ways described above, it will not run on any ordinary device. Your ad hoc profile ensures that unapproved test versions of your app are not copied and distributed.
Export your application through the Xcode option. After exporting the app binary, it can be distributed using MDM (Mobile device management). However, you must still enter each device’s UDID. There isn’t any other option. After that, simply download and install the app on the smartphone.
There are a few essential considerations to make before pursuing this deployment option
- An App developer account is required, which costs roughly $99 per year.
- This method is limited to 100 iPhones, 100 iPads, and 100 iPod touches. In order to share the iOS app, the developer must also obtain the UDID of each device.
- You must create a new version of your application whenever a new UDID is added. They can only be added until the end of the yearly subscription period.
Pros of ad-hoc Deployment
- The approval process for your app on the iOS store is not necessary.
- Your app listing will be hidden from the public, and no one will be able to buy or install it.
Cons of Ad-hoc Deployments
- The number of devices available is restricted to 100, and they can only be replaced once each year.
- Each device’s UDID (Unique Device ID) must be manually entered into your provisioning profile.
- The developer profile is only valid for a year, after which you must rebuild your app using a new profile.
Enterprise in-house app Deployment
This app distribution method is introduced to counteract the ad-hoc distribution method. You don’t have to add the UDID of every device as you do with ad-hoc. If you’ve developed an app and want to share the iOS version with your team. This method will save you the time and effort of having to register each device’s UDID.
When an app is exported via Xcode and you want to install it on any device without submitting it to the iOS store or registering device UDIDs, enterprise development becomes necessary. Email, URL, or MDM can all be used to deliver your app.
Few essential points to remember before opting for the enterprise in-house app development option
Enterprise app distribution necessitates the purchase of an Apple enterprise developer account, which costs approximately $299 per year.
There is no restriction to the number of devices, but the devices must be held by the organizations.
Advantages of enterprise-wide app deployment include
- It is not necessary for iOS regulators to approve your app.
- The Apple Store will not carry your app. It cannot be purchased or installed by the general public.
- The account can be used by all users in the company to share an iOS app.
Cons of Enterprise in-house App Deployment
- This program is only for employees who work for small businesses.
- Whether manually or through an MDM, the business is completely responsible for app deployment and updates.
- The Enterprise developer account costs $299 per year, which is more expensive than the regular account, which costs $99 per year.
B2B VPP APP Deployment method
The APPLE Volume Purchase Program allows you to create a private app store for your business. For each device that has joined your company, you can create internal app binaries. You can even share the iOS application with other businesses.
Although there is an approval process in this method, it is flexible because your app is not available to the general public. VPP is a private store, and the program handles app distribution. This method is most commonly utilized with the MDM service.
Pros of B2B VPP App Deployment method
- For your store, you will receive a private app.
- Every device that joins the program can download and utilize the app.
Cons of B2B VPP App Deployment method
- An approval process will be required for your app.
Conclusion
The appropriate application to employ is just as critical as the app deployment strategy. This procedure may appear stressful, but with the right approach and sufficient planning, your app’s success is guaranteed. If you follow the criteria above or guidelines, your app will be published without going through an approval process.
If you still have concerns, seeking the help of a professional app development company in Gurgaon is the best course of action. Stellar Digital has an experienced development team that can assist you with your project. Check out our iOS app development services at stellardigital.in.
