Private iOS In-House Distribution Setup -- 2

I have an internal-use iOS application that must be shared only with the employees and select clients I specify. I’d like you to set up a secure, in-house distribution flow that lets me send a simple direct download link—no App Store listing, no outside access.

What’s already in place
• The codebase and build are ready.
• I do not need help securing an Apple Enterprise Developer Program account; Freelancers need to have a usable account.

What I need from you
• Sign and package the IPA with the correct enterprise certificate and provisioning profile.
• Generate the manifest (.plist) and any required links so the app installs seamlessly when users tap the HTTPS link on their iPhone or iPad.
• Host the package on a private endpoint (S3, Azure Blob, or a small VPS—open to your guidance) and configure basic access control so only whitelisted users can reach the file.
• Give me a clear, repeatable procedure for updating the build in the future—scripts, Fastlane lanes, or CI steps are welcome.
• Walk me through a brief test deployment to confirm a user outside the whitelist cannot access or install the app.

Acceptance criteria
1. Direct link installs the app successfully on an unmanaged iOS device running the latest public iOS version.
2. Link is inaccessible or installation fails gracefully for anyone not on the allowed list.
3. Update instructions and any automation scripts are delivered and verified.

Familiarity with Xcode, enterprise signing, HTTPS hosting, basic authentication (or short-lived signed URLs), and mobile provisioning is critical. If this sounds straightforward, let’s get the distribution live.