Apple allows unlisted apps in the App Store — here's how to see them

a photo of the Apple App Store logo
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Update: Apple's letting app subscriptions auto-renew, even after they raise the prices. here's what you need to know

Apple is now allowing developers to add unlisted apps to the App Store that users can access directly through a link. 

This should make it easier for people working or studying in businesses and education organisations, respectively, to access iOS app that aren't necessarily design for the general public. 

Unlisted apps are those that, According to Apple, not "suited for public distribution" would fall into the "unlisted" category. These include apps for private events, research studies, or employee resources. 

As such, unlisted apps won't appear in any App Store categories, as well as recommendations, charts and search results; users could still access them through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager.

But with the ability to access unlisted apps in the App Store via a distributed link, this should make it easer for app developers to share their apps and for users to access them. 

Developers still need to go through the process of submitting an request to get a link to an unlisted app, but once that's done access to the app can be easily provided to the relevant people through a link; this could be shared via email or in corporate messaging channels. 

While this move is very much a tool for developers, having easier access to unlisted apps could simply make life easier for iPhone and iPad users working for an organization that's rather Apple product centric. This approach could also be applied to iOS game developers, who could more easily share their early access games to a limited amount of testers. 

FYI: Amazon just made the Kindle app on Android worse — here’s how.

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Denise Primbet
News Writer

Denise is a Life Reporter at Newsweek, covering everything lifestyle-related, including health, relationships, personal finance, beauty and more. She was formerly a news writer at Tom’s Guide, regularly producing stories on all things tech, gaming software/hardware, fitness, streaming, and more. Her published content ranges from short-form news articles to long-form pieces, including reviews, buying guides, how-tos, and features. When she's not playing horror games, she can be found exploring East London with her adorable puppy. She’s also a part-time piano enthusiast and regularly experiments in the kitchen. 

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