Over 1,000 apps are submitted to the App Store every hour, creating challenges for Apple's review process. With a significant increase in app submissions due to advancements in coding methods, the company has raised its review standards, aiming to maintain quality amidst this surge. However, many in the developer community believe that simply enhancing review criteria will not sufficiently address the influx of new applications.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an initiative called Airport emerged, allowing developers to share apps not yet available on the App Store. This platform enabled broader distribution beyond personal networks, facilitating the discovery of innovative indie apps. Unfortunately, Apple ultimately rejected the concept, leading to its decline.
In light of the current trend, some suggest that Apple should consider reintroducing a similar feature to enhance app visibility. A potential solution could involve adding a Discover tab within the TestFlight app to improve user engagement. Additionally, expanding the 10,000 tester limit in TestFlight could provide developers with the flexibility needed to grow successful applications.