Developers can now restrict access to their apps on the App Store so that only people who have a direct link to the page can view them. Apps could be unlisted if they are used for exciting purposes, such as hiding employee apps or sales tools. Appearance of exclusivity may be one way to make people actually want an app.
On its Developer website, Apple wrote: “Unlisted apps do not appear in any App Store categories, recommendations, charts, search results, or other listings.” Additionally, they can be accessed through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager.
App developers usually want as many people to download and use their app as possible. Even better, they can rake in that sweet cash money (or personal information that can be exchanged for cash). In contrast, specialized apps targeted at specific limited audiences are typically not like other girls, and don’t seek popularity.
These apps may be created for an event or conference, intended for students of a certain school, or only available to certain employees of a business. Now, developers can elect to make knowledge of these apps invite-only to guard against the influx of random interlopers who would otherwise rush to install them.
It will also help declutter the App Store, so you don’t have to scroll through 50 billion irrelevant corporate apps whenever you do a search.
In order to unlist an app, developers must submit a request and wait for approval. The app has to be completed and ready for release though, so it can’t be in beta. If approved, the app will be unlisted and a link to the App Store listing will be generated, which developers can then write in lemon juice to slip to their secret club at recess.
Apps which were initially listed but then unlisted will still retain the same URL, so if your app was already live it won’t suddenly disappear for people stalking its App Store page. Though if anyone is sitting on the page and staring longingly at a corporate app, maybe you should just let them in. Clearly they’re in desperate need of some excitement.