Enterprise Distribution

Enterprise Distribution is a method provided through the Apple Developer Enterprise Program that lets organizations distribute proprietary iOS apps directly to their employees without going through the App Store. It is designed for internal tools, workflow apps, and other software that is not intended for public use.

How It Works

Organizations enroll in the Apple Developer Enterprise Program, which provides enterprise distribution certificates and provisioning profiles. Apps are signed with these credentials and distributed through an internal mechanism such as a private website, a mobile device management (MDM) system, or an internal app catalog. Unlike Ad Hoc Distribution, there is no limit on the number of devices that can install the app.

Requirements and Restrictions

• Eligibility - only organizations with a D-U-N-S number and at least 100 employees can apply
• Internal use only - apps must be distributed exclusively to employees of the organization
• No public distribution - using enterprise certificates to distribute apps to the general public violates Apple’s terms and will result in certificate revocation
• Annual renewal - enterprise certificates expire annually and must be renewed to keep apps functional

Considerations

Apple actively monitors for misuse of enterprise certificates. Organizations must maintain proper records and ensure apps are only accessible to authorized employees. If an enterprise certificate is revoked, all apps signed with it stop working immediately, making compliance essential.