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is there any LEGAL way (w/o jailbreak) to install iOS application to iOS device (ipad, iphone, ipod) without publishing to application store? For example - application for closed group of users (admins/moderators etc of some web application).

Alexey Poimtsev
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    possible duplicate of [iPhone app without AppStore](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/982476/iphone-app-without-appstore) – Brad Larson Oct 03 '10 at 20:22
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    See also [Private iPhone App, without App Store?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2583920/private-iphone-app-without-app-store) – Brad Larson Oct 03 '10 at 20:23
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    I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because this is asking legal information. – Tunaki Mar 17 '16 at 10:59
  • I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is asking for legal advice. Questions regarding law (including technology law) can be asked on https://law.stackexchange.com/ – TylerH Aug 25 '19 at 20:12

6 Answers6

33

Apple supports "Ad-Hoc" application distribution for exactly this purpose, but it is limited to 100 devices. If you have an Enterprise developer account, you can do Ad-hoc distribution within your organization, as well.

iOS Developer Distribution Options
iOS Developer Enterprise Program

Community
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codelark
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  • In addition, you can use sites like [testflightapp.com](http://testflightapp.com/) to help with your Ad-Hoc distributions. It will notify your users when there are updates available and allows them to install updates over the air. The site is intended for use as a beta app distribution system, but can be used for small Ad-Hoc groups. – Beltalowda Aug 01 '11 at 15:54
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    There is http://www.appaloosa-store.com which is more dedicated to enterprise distribution. – joel1di1 Jan 14 '12 at 01:19
10

You need to apply for a Enterprise/Corporate development license with Apple. Then they provide the option to deploy without the app store.

The minimum amount of employees is high though (about 500 I think). EDIT: The employee restriction has been removed!

See this link for more info: http://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/enterprise/

Alastair Pitts
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    That 500+ employees requirement is dropped now! Any company can register for the Enterprise Program now. – user8472 Jan 13 '11 at 13:06
7

Yes, ahdoc distribution allows you to installed on upto 100 devices (including the ones you use for development), all you have to do is have the paid for developer account (the standard $99 one).

Here's one explanation, but there are loads of articles around on the subject:

http://furbo.org/2008/08/06/beta-testing-on-iphone-20/

Update Summer 2013: The limit now seems to have been increased from 100 devices to 200 devices.

JosephH
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3

Without jailbreaking, there are solutions for private market places which bypass the app store.

Some of the names of these companies are:

  • Appaloosa
  • EnterpriseAppZone
  • apperian
  • mobileiron
  • appcentral
Craig McQueen
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Jeff
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0

https://music-vk.com/ - These guys somehow make it possible to install their app directly via a Safari link. It requires no usernames, no passwords. Just click and it is installed right away. Haven't figured out how they do it though

Ahmadov
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Yes there is. Search 'hip store' on google and click on the first result. When you get there you type what app you want. Then when the app comes up click 'tai xoung' then a pop up comes up click 'tai xoung' again and then it will take you to another screen with a loading bar and it will count down. Then you will click install.

Jake
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