# Apple Business Manager custom apps and MDM distribution for IT audiences > Source-anchored research for Apple Business Manager custom apps and MDM distribution for IT audiences. Run status: COMPLETED. Parent: [Apple Platform Frontier for Mac Utilities](https://llms-explorer.com/tree/apple-platform-frontier-for-mac-utilities/) · 2 facets · 9 facts · page: https://llms-explorer.com/tree/apple-business-manager-custom-apps-and-mdm-distribution-for-it-audiences/ ## Problems, failure modes and limitations - A Private app cannot be changed to Public (and Public cannot become Private); changing requires a new app record. Public can later become Unlisted after approval via an Apple request. (high confidence) — [source](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/manage-your-apps-availability/set-distribution-methods) ## Facts and statements - Private distribution (Custom Apps) is chosen in App Store Connect under Pricing and Availability > App Distribution Methods > Private, restricted to specified Organization IDs (or Apple Accounts for legacy VPP). Distribution is via MDM or redemption codes. (high confidence) — [source](https://developer.apple.com/help/app-store-connect/manage-your-apps-availability/set-distribution-methods) - Custom apps go through standard App Review (typically 1-2 days); apps needing login must supply sample data/authentication to reviewers. Customer organizations must enable Custom Apps in settings, then find the app under Custom Apps in Apps and Books. (high confidence) — [source](https://support.apple.com/en-euro/guide/business/axm58ba3112a/web) - Customer admins find their Organization ID in Apple Business/School Manager under Preferences > Enrollment Information; the developer must collect it to target them. (medium confidence) — [source](https://developer.apple.com/support/volume-purchase-and-custom-apps/) - Apple announced Apple Business on 2026-03-24 and launched it 2026-04-14, merging Business Manager, Business Essentials and Business Connect into one free platform with built-in MDM in 200+ countries; Apple's own custom-apps guide is now titled 'Apple Business'. (high confidence) (verified as of 2026-04-14) — [source](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/14/apple-business-platform-launches/) - Third-party MDMs (e.g. Intune) sync custom apps through location tokens (legacy VPP tokens), valid one year; a token works with one MDM at a time; device licensing (default for new Intune assignments) installs via MDM only without App Store sign-in; user licensing covers up to 5 devices per Apple Account. (high confidence) (verified as of 2026-09-28) — [source](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/app-management/deployment/manage-vpp-apple) - On macOS, revoking a VPP license leaves the app usable but un-updatable; Apple removes it after a 30-day grace period. Reusing a token on another MDM can lose license assignment records. (medium confidence) (verified as of 2026-09-28) — [source](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/app-management/deployment/manage-vpp-apple) - Intune VPP tokens can use DDM management (iOS/iPadOS 18+) but DDM supports only Required/Uninstall, not Available; keep MDM for Available assignments and app-config policies. (low confidence) (verified as of 2026-09-28) — [source](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/app-management/deployment/manage-vpp-apple) - A developer forum report shows a custom app assigned by device license failing on macOS InstallApplication with AMSErrorDomain code 301 'Invalid Status Code'; filed as FB11292074, no documented resolution (2022-era, example used iOS ID). (low confidence) — [source](https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/712479)