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The company I work for is coming near to completion of an iOS app for internal use only amongst employees. I have done some research and found that in house deployment would be most suitable for our use. However there are some things that from my research I am not clear on and would like to hear from people who have deployed apps using this method.
If we deploy an app in house does it still need submitting to Apple or does this method overcome this problem? Are there any additional requirements? I have looked through the Apple website on this and understand that the app needs to be hosted on a secure server and about the need of the accompanying XML file. Does my company need to sign up to this "iOS Developer Enterprise Program" before we can distribute in house? What limitations are there if any over publishing to the app store?
Thank You for your time to anyone who responds.
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Google Play is the premier marketplace for Android apps and is particularly useful if you want to distribute your apps to a large global audience. However, you can distribute your apps through any app marketplace you want or use multiple marketplaces.
App Store ConnectUpload your app for review and select the Custom App Distribution option. If your app contains sensitive data, provide sample data and authentication for our review team. Make sure your tax and banking information is set up so that Apple can process payments for you.
From My Apps, select the app you want to distribute privately. This will show you the app's page on App Store Connect. In the sidebar to the left, click on Pricing and Availability. Navigate to App Distribution Methods and select Private — Available as a custom app on Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
If we deploy an app in house does it still need submitting to Apple or does this method overcome this problem?
No it does not require submitting to Apple.
Are there any additional requirements?
Yes, you need an Enterprise developer account. Require your own server to host the apps and need to implement method of distribution. You can also opt for 3rd party MDM services who manage the entire server part for you. But there is a cost involved.
What limitations are there if any over publishing to the app store?
In house signed apps install on any devices without having to add the UDID. Downside to this is illegal distribution of your app, hence the need for secured server or authenticated downloading. Also the enterprise account expires after one year, the apps need to be distributed again with the renewed in-house provisioning.
You can go through Distributing Enterprise Apps for iOS Devices for In-house distribution.
Hope that helps!
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Enterprise Program has no limit of devices you can test (deploy) your apps on. Normal Developers Program has a limit of 100 devices.
Say you will only have less then 100 devices in your company you can go with the normal Program otherwise you will need the Enterprise Program.
I highly recommend https://testflightapp.com/ for what you plan.
You can invite the employees by sending an email to them. They register at https://testflightapp.com/ and can download the app onto their devices. They get notifications for updates through email, too. You just need to upload your ipas to https://testflightapp.com/ for that.
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