Distributing ADEP app to external users is NOT a license violation. Is this true?

In long years, I believed that distributing apps signed with Apple Developer Enterprise Program to external (outside company) users is a violation of the license agreement.

However, I contacted to the Apple Support today and got a clear answer that it is NOT a violation of the ADEP license agreement.

I got this answer from a "Apple iOS Specialist", not a call center person who knows little about the license.


In fact, some Japanese companies distribute app signed with ADEP from their website to general users.

I got the another answer that such distribution did NOT violate any license agreements with Apple.


I still can not believe these answers...

Is there anyone who got similar answers from Apple?

Replies

Not being convinced you talked to _dev support_ (these days, they call you...you don't call them), I'd suggest you use the 'contact us' link below, instead.


As for the ADEP agreement, this is a quote from what I believe was current 4.2018 (note the macOS distribution disclaimer):


"Purpose

Your company, organization or educational institution would like to use the Apple Software (as defined below) to develop one or more Internal Use Applications (as defined below) for Apple branded products running iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and/or macOS, and to deploy these Applications only for internal use within Your company, organization or educational institution or for limited use as expressly set forth herein. Apple is willing to grant You a limited license to use the Apple Software to develop and test Your Internal Use Applications, and to deploy such Applications internally and as otherwise permitted herein on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. You may also create Passes (as defined below) for use on Apple-branded products running iOS or watchOS under this Agreement. Internal Use Applications developed for macOS can be distributed under this Agreement using an Apple Certificate or may be separately distributed.


Note: This Program is for internal use, custom applications that are developed by You for Your specific business purposes and only for use by Your employees and, in limited cases, by certain other parties as set forth herein. If You want to distribute applications for iOS, watchOS, or tvOS to third parties or obtain an application from a third party, then You must use the App Store or B2B Program for distribution."

I sent this issue to another category of Apple support. They said they will not tell me the result of whether Apple iOS specialist' s explanation is correct or not.


But there was good news.


Today, Apple invalidated the developer certificate of the Japanese company which distributing ADEP app from their website.

As I believed for years, distributing apps signed with ADEP to external users violates the license agreement.

😉