Give your user(s) the itms-services:// URL and the following instructions: (The bottom section of this blog post explains how a developer will create the ist and the URL.) A URL that starts with the prefix itms-services:// and ends with the location of your ist.Note: the following steps are applicable for both the first-time installation of your app and for subsequent updates. Safari version(s): (at least) as of iOS 13, this is tied directly to iOS versionĮnd-User Instructions (for the iPhone or iPad User).How To Deploy an iOS Device Without The App Store Version RequirementsĪll steps in this post have been demonstrated to work with: You do not wish to jailbreak your devices, nor use any non-Apple-authorized distribution channel.And avoid the time limits that TestFlight applies.You wish to provide your users a download link that won’t require them to use TestFlight.Those users can provide you the UDID from their devices.The set of all users and/or testers is known in advance.The following streamlined distribution method is tailored to the following use case:

Scenario Two: All your targeted iOS devices are sitting in the same R&D lab, and you just need an easy way for a lab technician to download your app onto every device in the lab.

Scenario One: Your targeted iOS devices are all company-issued to your team, and you already have the UDID of each device.

Here are two scenarios for which this method is an ideal fit: This method of app distribution is not appropriate for people seeking general public release or sale of their app.

What is largely missing from existing guides is the information we outline below for how to bypass that long prerequisite list entirely and deploy an iOS device without the app store.Ĭaveat: The steps below are only applicable if you fall into a narrow band of R&D oriented developers. Privacy policy? EULA? 3rd Gen iPad screenshots? 2nd Gen iPad screenshots? Support URL?ĭon’t panic! There are resources available on the web to help guide you through that long TO DO list.

For the uninitiated, the list of prerequisites to app store approval can feel quite daunting, but keep reading and we will tell you how to deploy an iOS device without The App Store, bypassing that list entirely.

Now your app is working and you couldn’t be happier…until you stare into the dimly lit tunnel of app deployment options. You’ve built a mobile app! Congratulations! You successfully leveraged the advantages and capabilities of the mobile platform AND navigated the pitfalls and trade-offs.

Download xcode without app store