Distributing custom apps
Engage with businesses and educational institutions to design and build customized apps that meet the unique needs of their organization. With Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, you can privately and securely distribute to specific partners, clients, and franchisees. You can also distribute proprietary apps to your internal employees.
How it works
Organizations that you identify in App Store Connect will see your app and be able to download it in the Apps and Books section of Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. You can offer custom apps for free or at any price tier you choose. Identify the organizations who can download your app and set a release date in App Store Connect.
App Store Connect
App Store Connect lets you distribute your app privately in up to 69 regions. Upload 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. You’ll also be able to invite testers to beta test your app before distribution.
Learn how to use App Store Connect
Apple Business Manager
Organizations can enroll as an Apple Business to purchase and distribute content and automate device deployment using Apple Business Manager. The organizations that you identify can see your app and purchase it in the Content section of Apple Business Manager and seamlessly distribute it through Mobile Device Management. Alternatively, organizations can choose to provide redemption codes to authorized users to download the app on the App Store.
Learn how to use Apple Business Manager
Apple School Manager
Meet the unique needs of educational institutions by privately offering apps you’ve customized just for them. Organizations that you identify in App Store Connect will see the app and be able to purchase it in volume on Apple School Manager, a service that lets educational institutions buy content, configure automatic device enrollment, and create accounts for students and staff. Educational institutions can also use this feature to distribute proprietary apps for internal use.
Creating custom apps
Designing and developing a custom version of your app for an organization allows you to maintain the code and retain your intellectual property rights. You can offer:
- Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV
- A tailored look and feel, such as company logo or branding
- Specific functionality for a business process or workflow
- Special configuration for IT environments
- Security features for sensitive or private company data
- Custom features for partners, clients, dealers, and franchisees
- Unique features for employees within your organization