Coming up with a unique idea for an iOS app is not the only thing that can let you excel in your field. It is equally important to turn that idea into an iPhone application. It takes a lot to create a mobile application; however, the job is not done at this level as well. Once you make a robust application for iOS, you must distribute it for maximum downloads and succeed.
Moreover, you must know that Apple’s App Store is not the only place where you can distribute your app to users. As many other distribution methods can help you to get more downloads, you must explore all of them.
Undoubtedly, the App Store is the best platform for mass distribution. But for some business apps, people don’t want the app available for all but a specific type of user. For such cases, you must prioritize your planning to distribute the app.
You can connect with an iPhone app development company in the USA to distribute your app through App Store alternatives. Also, here is a comprehensive guide to distributing your iOS application without using the App Store. Just dive in!
What Are Alternatives for iPhone App Distribution Other Than App Store?
Beta App Distribution via Apple Developer Program
Beta app distribution is solely designed for testing an iOS application. By releasing a prerelease version of an iPhone app, the developers can target a specific group of people for testing purposes.
For this, the main requirement is an Apple Developer Program account. However, this program costs $99 for a one-year membership. Nevertheless, government entities, non-profits, and educational institutions are eligible for a fee waiver.
With this, you can share the app with a mass audience to distribute the app privately. Not to forget that the number of devices is limited in the beta app distribution; you must consider this important point.
Above all, apps released in beta testing will not be similar to a ready-for-release app. But it makes sure that you have protection from being copied. So, by collaborating with an app development company, you can develop and distribute your iOS app without the App Store.
Apple Developer Enterprise Program Upgrade
This program is perfect for large companies that want to circulate internal applications to their employees. It employs a secured internal distribution system or mobile device management solutions. It is not something that anyone can get ownership of such an account. The given is the eligibility requirements:
- The organization must have more than 100 employees,
- There must be a legal entity, for instance, no trade names, DBAs, or fictitious names.
- The organization must use the program for internal in-house apps for its employees,
- Assurance that the app is available for emp[loyees only,
- The organization must assure that membership credentials are safe and protected,
- To distribute your iOS app through this program, you must undergo Apple’s verification process for the evaluations.
Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP)
The VVP allows organizations and educational institutions to distribute corporate apps in bulk and deploy them on Apple devices. For instance, an educational institute that provides its students with Macbooks can benefit from this Volume Purchase Program. This way, they can use the pre-installed application on those devices before the distribution.
Also, you can use this program for custom B2B apps to distribute via the private app store. Finally, when a large business incorporates several vendors, partners, and other organizations, this program can help them work closely together.
Many app development companies within the USA and outside can fulfill your needs. However, the VVP program is unavailable; you can use Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager to avail of the same services.
Summary
Most people want to distribute their business apps through the App Store. And why not? It is the best way to distribute an iOS app across the globe. But when it comes to offering access to limited users, using other programs is a good approach. Sometimes you contact an app development company to develop the app for not public use. For such a case, you need to plan a strategy to use your iPhone application. You must choose the above methods to test and use your apps in those scenarios.
