fleet/articles/install-app-store-apps.md
Ian Littman ba0d13f5ee
Update VPP guide to mention custom apps (#38019)
Guide for #32461.

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Co-authored-by: Mike Thomas <78363703+mike-j-thomas@users.noreply.github.com>
2026-01-13 16:46:58 -06:00

3.8 KiB

Install app store apps

Available in Fleet Premium

In Fleet, you can install Apple App Store apps on your macOS, iOS, and iPadOS hosts, including custom apps.

You can also manage which Google Play Store apps are available for self-service in your end user's Android work profiles. Google only allows free Google Play Store apps. Paid apps aren't supported.

Add an app

Apple (VPP)

Before using Fleet to manage VPP apps, you must first turn on Apple MDM and Apple's Volume Purchasing Program (VPP). Once you've completed that setup, you can follow the directions below for each app.

  1. Purchase the relevant app through Apple Business Manager (ABM). You must perform this step even if the app is free, or if it is a custom app you own. Learn how in Apple's documentation.

  2. In Fleet, head to the Software page and select a team in the teams dropdown.

  3. Select Add software > App store, then select the app you just purchased.

Currently, Fleet only supports Apple App Store apps from the United States (US) region. If the app is listed on the Apple App Store and it has /us in the URL (e.g. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/slack/id618783545) then it's supported.

Google Play (Android)

Before using Fleet to manage Google Play Store apps, you must first turn on Android MDM. Once you've completed that setup, you can follow the directions below for each app.

  1. Head to the Google Play Store, find the app, and copy the ID at the end of the URL (e.g. "com.android.chrome")

  2. In Fleet, head to the Software page and select a team in the teams dropdown.

  3. Select Add software > App store, choose the Android platform, then enter the application ID.

Edit or remove an app

  1. In Fleet, head to the Software page and select a team in the teams dropdown.

  2. Search for the app you want to remove and select the app to head to it's Software details** page.

  3. To edit the app, on the Software details page, select the pencil (edit) icon.

  4. To remove the app, on the Software details page, select the trash can (delete) icon.

Install an app

Apple (VPP)

Apps can be installed manually on each host's Host details page. For macOS apps, apps can also be installed via self-service on the end user's Fleet Desktop > My device page or automatically via policy automation.

Currently, Apple App Stpre (VPP) apps can't be uninstalled via Fleet.

Google Play (Android)

Android apps can be installed via self-service in the end user's managed Google Play Store (work profile).

API and GitOps

Fleet also provides a REST API for managing app store apps programmatically. Learn more in the API reference docs.

To manage App Store apps using Fleet's best practice GitOps, check out the app_store_apps key in the GitOps reference documentation.