# iOS App Distribution via Hexnode UEM Hexnode UEM facilitates the end-to-end management of iOS and iPadOS applications through two primary App Types – **Public Store Apps, Enterprise Apps** and one specialised Licensing Framework – **Volume Purchase Program (VPP).** Public Store App Distribution ----------------------------- Public store apps are sourced directly from the Apple **App Store**. These typically require a user to be signed in with a personal Apple Account on the device. ### Add Store App to UEM App Inventory 1. **Path:** Apps > Local Apps > +Add Apps > Store App. 2. **Platform:** Tick the **iOS** checkbox. 3. **Search:** Locate the app via the search bar and click **Add.** 4. **Verification:** The app is now listed under the **Local Apps** tab. [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM dashboard showing the Apps tab within the top navigation bar.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Add-apps-via-the-Hexnode-UEM-Apps-tab-for-distribution-to-Apple-devices-scaled.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Add-apps-via-the-Hexnode-UEM-Apps-tab-for-distribution-to-Apple-devices-scaled.png "Add apps via the Hexnode UEM Apps tab for distribution to Apple devices") ### Immediate Distribution (Remote Actions) Use this method for one-off manual installations for quick deployment. 1. **Path:** Manage > Devices > Select target device(s). 2. **Execute:** Actions > Applications > Install application. 3. **Filter:** Tick the iOS checkbox under the **Local Apps** tab. 4. **Finalize:** Search for the app, select it, and click **Install.** [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM 'Manage' tab showing the 'Actions' dropdown menu highlighting the 'Install Application' command](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Install-application-action-in-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Install-application-action-in-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png "Install application action in Hexnode UEM") Enterprise (In-house) App Distribution -------------------------------------- Enterprise (in-house) apps are proprietary applications developed for internal use and are mostly not available on the **Apple App Store.** ### Uploading and Deploying an Enterprise App via Hexnode UEM 1. **Path:** Apps > +Add Apps > Enterprise App. 2. **Platform Selection:** Select the **Apple icon** radio button. 3. **App Name:** Provide a name for the enterprise app. 4. **Upload Method:** Choose one of the following distribution channels: - **IPA File:** Select **IPA file** and click on **Choose file** to upload the **.ipa** file from the local system. - **Manifest URL:** Select **From manifest URL** to provide the external app hosting link. 5. **Categorization:** Select a **Category** from the list. Click **(+)** to create a new category. 6. **Metadata:** Enter the app details in the **Description** text box. 7. **Advanced Settings:** - **Remove on Disenroll:** Tick this to uninstall the app automatically if the device is disenrolled from Hexnode UEM. - **Prevent App Backup:** Tick this to block app data from being backed up to iCloud/iTunes. 8. **Send Application Configuration:** Ticking this checkbox returns an option for the admin to upload an **XML file** with pre-defined in-app settings (logins, server URLs, etc.) during deployment. 9. **Status Notification:** Tick the checkbox “Notify admin via email once app upload succeeds/fails” to receive an automated status update once the server finishes processing the file. 10. Click **Add** to finish setup and add the enterprise app. [![Screenshot of the Hexnode UEM 'Enterprise App' configuration window, featuring fields for App Name, Upload Method (IPA File/Manifest URL), Category selection, and Advanced Settings.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Adding-an-Apple-iOS-Enterprise-App-for-distribution-through-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Adding-an-Apple-iOS-Enterprise-App-for-distribution-through-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png "Adding an Apple iOS Enterprise App for distribution through Hexnode UEM") VPP App Distribution (Apple Business) ------------------------------------- The **Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)**, integrated via **Apple Business** , enables bulk acquisition and distribution of **Public Store apps, Custom Enterprise apps,** and **B2B apps.** ### Key VPP Capabilities - **Bulk Licensing:** Purchase and assign licenses to users or devices centrally. - **Silent Installation**: Deploy apps to **Supervised** devices without requiring a user **Apple Account**. - **Custom B2B Distribution**: Securely distribute private apps tailored for specific business needs. - **License Management**: Reclaim and reassign app licenses as device ownership changes. To know more about deploying VPP apps to an Apple device, see [Deploying VPP apps via Hexnode UEM](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-deploy-apple-vpp-apps-with-hexnode-mdm/). Automated Deployment via Required Apps Policies ----------------------------------------------- [**Required Apps**](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enforce-app-installation-on-ios-devices-using-hexnode-uem/) policy maintains the “Desired State” of the device, ensuring mandatory apps remain installed. 1. **Path**: Policies > New Policy > Create a fully custom policy. 2. **Name**: Provide a name for the policy. 3. **Configure Apps:** iOS > App Management > Required Apps > click **Configure**. 4. **Selection**: Click +Add > Add App. Select apps from Hexnode UEM app inventory and click **Done**. 5. **Targeting**: Navigate to the **Policy Targets** tab > +Add Devices > Select devices or device groups > Click **OK.** 6. **Finalize:** Click **Save**. [![Screenshot of Hexnode UEM Policy tab showing the iOS App Management sub-section in the left sidebar where the 'Required Apps' configuration is located.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Required-Apps-configuration-for-Apple-iOS-App-distribution-via-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Required-Apps-configuration-for-Apple-iOS-App-distribution-via-Hexnode-UEM-scaled.png "Required Apps configuration for Apple iOS App distribution via Hexnode UEM") Device-End Installation Experience ---------------------------------- The installation behaviour depends on the management state of the iOS device: - **Supervised Devices:** The enterprise app is installed automatically on the device without any user intervention. - **Unsupervised** and **User Enrolled Devices:** The device receives a notification to install the app. The user must manually accept the prompt to begin the installation process. Advanced Troubleshooting Resources ---------------------------------- Explore these guides for specific error codes and deployment hurdles. - [Common issues with iOS app installation](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/troubleshooting-common-issues-in-ios-app-installation/) - [Error during iOS app installation](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/troubleshooting-ios-app-installation-error-cannot-connect-to-itunes-store/)