Hello Apple Developer Team
I am an independent iOS developer creating highly specialized applications for a very small private audience of fewer than ten users These applications are tightly coupled with custom hardware that I design and manufacture myself for example automotive air suspension control systems
Due to the extremely narrow scope and non commercial nature of these apps maintaining a full Apple Developer Program membership is economically impractical The applications are not distributed publicly are not monetized and are used only by a small group of people who share the same technical hobby
All application code is written entirely by me There are no copyright violations no private API usage no hidden functionality no tracking and no malicious behavior The apps do not compromise iOS security do not harm users and do not discredit Apple or the iOS platform The software only functions when paired with proprietary hardware under my control
At present the only viable way to install these apps is by using free developer certificates with a seven day expiration period This creates a significant usability burden Users must constantly re sign and reinstall the apps Non technical users frequently make mistakes during this process which leads to frustration and discourages experimentation learning and hardware innovation
I would like to propose that Apple consider a limited and tightly controlled homebrew style distribution option where non App Store applications could be installed only after Apple review and approval similar in spirit to TestFlight or app notarization This could include strict limitations such as a very small number of allowed users no monetization no public discovery and clear labeling as private experimental or hardware coupled software Apple would retain full control over approval enforcement and revocation at all times
Such a mechanism would preserve the security and trust model of iOS while supporting independent engineers hardware developers and advanced hobbyists It would reduce incentives for unofficial sideloading and encourage innovation at a grassroots level without weakening platform safety
I deeply respect Apple’s focus on security quality and user trust This proposal is not about bypassing the App Store but about enabling a controlled reviewed and extremely limited path for legitimate non commercial hardware specific applications
I hope this message can receive timely consideration and that if such an approach aligns with Apple’s platform goals it could be explored for inclusion in upcoming iOS versions where feasible
Thank you for your time and for supporting the developer community
Best regards Anzor Tekuev Independent iOS Developer