How to distribute iOS app to specific users?

Question

As i know we can distribute iOS app in 3 ways

1. Via Appstore
2. Via testflight Builds
3. By creating ipa files and install them on device.

Is there any other way to distribute the app to specific users?

Answer 1

Back in the olden days you would register individual users' devices (UDID) with your profile and then build an .ipa with manifest and upload these to some private website. All they have to do is surf to that website with their mobile device and install the app. The downside is that you have to prepare a web site that is secret to those users. You can also use Apple Configurator 2 but it requires users to use a Mac to run it.

TestFlight is very easy to handle. Upload a build and start a beta test. Add only those individual users who should have the app. Downside is that the beta test expires in 90 days so you need to upload a new build every 90 days.

Overall I think the AdHoc solution (see above building the .ipa) is best but you have to update the build each time you add a new device.

PS: I think it would be a best solution to add internal testers to App Store Connect but without a role so they cannot alter the app. Just a plain tester. I'm going to check if this exists, but if it doesn't I hope Apple makes it possible.

Answer 2

There are a couple of beta distribution platforms out there:
- Fabric aka Crashlytics
- HockeyApp
- ...

Answer 3

5 Options for Distributing Your iOS App to a Limited Audience

1) The Public App Store

Distribute the app on the public App Store. Only people authorized to use the app can authenticate and use its features. Requiring a small price (such as 99 cents) will discourage casual installations. Submitting to the public App Store requires an iOS Developer license for $99 per year.

2) iOS Developer Enterprise Program

The iOS Enterprise Distribution program allows a company to distribute their own “in-house” apps directly. It is intended for employees of the licensee company only and that licensee must be a company or organization with a DUNS number. The cost is $299 per year for this license compared to $99 per year for the iOS Developer License. A given device can have apps installed from only one iOS Enterprise License at a time.

3) Custom B2B Apps Program

Apple has programs for volume purchasing and custom B2B apps. These programs operate from the online Business Store. The Volume Purchasing Program allows businesses to buy apps from the public App Store in bulk. Custom B2B Apps extend the Volume Purchase Program for custom B2B apps built by third-party developers. The third-party developer determines which Volume Purchase customer(s) can purchase a given app. Such apps are not available on the public App Store but only through the Business Store.

4) Ad Hoc Distribution (intended for Testing)

Ad Hoc Distribution allows you to distribute apps to up to 100 iOS devices for testing. You must register these devices manually by their ID. Devices can be removed/replaced once each membership year). Ad Hoc Distribution is a feature of both the iOS Developer Program and the iOS Developer Enterprise Program. This may be all that is needed for a prototype or trade show.

5) iOS Beta Testing Service: TestFlight

TestFlight is a free over-the-air platform used to distribute beta and internal iOS applications to team members. Developers can manage testing and receive feedback from their team with TestFlight’s Dashboard. TestFlight makes use of your iOS Enterprise License or Developer License to create Enterprise and Ad Hoc provisioned apps.

Answer 4

Any standard file transfer mechanism would work; email (ugh), FTP, host the .ipa on your website?

These mechanisms would allow the user to download the IPA but would have to use iTunes on their computer to install it onto their device.

See this guide for a description of how to do over-the-air installation direct to device: http://shinydevelopment.com/blog/over-the-air-ios-provisioning-and-distribution/