For large organizations, distributing internal tools and beta builds via the public App Store or even TestFlight isn't always feasible. Enter the Apple Developer Enterprise Program.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at iOS Enterprise Certificate distribution in 2026, helping you understand how to securely distribute in-house apps to your employees without the strict review process of the App Store.
What is iOS Enterprise Distribution?
iOS Enterprise Distribution allows companies to distribute proprietary "in-house" apps directly to their employees' devices. These apps effectively bypass the public App Store review process, giving you total control over release timing and device availability.
To use this, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Enterprise Program, which is separate from the standard Apple Developer Program. It costs $299 USD per year.
Key Benefits vs. Standard Developer Program
| Feature | Standard Program ($99/yr) | Enterprise Program ($299/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Audience | Public (App Store), Limited Beta (TestFlight/Ad Hoc) | Internal Employees Only |
| Device Limit | 100/device type (Ad Hoc) | Unlimited (Internal Devices) |
| App Review | Required for App Store & External TestFlight | No App Review |
How to Create and Distribute an Enterprise App
1. Create an In-House Distribution Certificate
Log in to your Apple Enterprise Developer account. Go to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles → Certificates and create a new "In-House and Ad Hoc" production certificate. This certificate is used to sign your apps.
2. Register an App ID
Create an explicit App ID for your internal app (e.g., com.yourcompany.internal.tool). Avoid wildcards if you plan to use capabilities like Push Notifications.
3. Create a Provisioning Profile
Create a new Provisioning Profile specifically for "In-House" distribution and link it to your App ID and Distribution Certificate.
4. Archive and Export from Xcode
When archiving your app in Xcode, select Distribute App → Enterprise. Xcode will sign the app with your Enterprise certificate and profile.
5. Distribute via OTA (Over-The-Air)
Similar to Ad Hoc distribution, you can distribute Enterprise apps wirelessly. You'll need:
- The signed .ipa file
- A manifest.plist file
- An HTTPS-enabled web server
Or, simply use BetaDrop to host your Enterprise build. Just upload the IPA, and we generate the secure installation link for your employees.
Trusting the Enterprise Developer
When an employee installs an Enterprise app for the first time, they will see an "Untrusted Enterprise Developer" error. This is a security feature.
To fix this, the user must:
- Open Settings on their iOS device.
- Go to General → VPN & Device Management.
- Tap the name of the Enterprise Certificate (your company name).
- Tap Trust "Your Company Name".
Important Considerations & Risks
Strict Eligibility
Apple has become much stricter about who qualifies for the Enterprise Program. You must be a legal entity with a D-U-N-S number and demonstrate a clear need for internal-only distribution.
Certificate Expiration
Your distribution certificate expires every 3 years, and provisioning profiles expire every 12 months. Warning: If your certificate expires or is revoked, the app will instantly stop working on all employee devices.
Revocation Risks
If you are caught distributing Enterprise apps to the public (non-employees), Apple will revoke your certificate and potentially ban your account. This is a "death sentence" for your internal apps, as they will all stop launching immediately.
Summary
iOS Enterprise Distribution is a powerful tool for large organizations needing to deploy internal mobile solutions. By bypassing the App Store, you gain agility and control. However, with great power comes the responsibility of managing certificates and ensuring strict internal-only usage.
Ready to share your Enterprise build? Upload your IPA to BetaDrop for instant, secure link generation.
