Apple Developer: Overview & Setup
All apps in the Apple App Store are submitted through Apple Developer accounts. In order to publish your app for iOS devices, your client will need to sign up for an Apple Developer account. Apple requires each business to have their own account. We have created a PDF document for you to send to clients guiding them through the setup, but we highly recommend you complete this process with them.
Below is a step-by-step guide for you to run through with the client. If you run into any issues, we recommend contacting Apple support directly at 0800 048 0408 (UK) or Eazi-Apps Head Office at +441162962488
Step 1: Create your ID
Go to https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll. You will then be asked to enter or create a new Apple ID. We recommend you create a new Apple ID that reflects your client's business name. This way your client's personal ID is separate from their business account. But if they want to use their existing Apple ID that's fine too.
Step 2: Developer Agreement
Your client will be prompted to read and verify that they have read Apple’s Developer Agreement. (You and your client can read this if you want but let's be honest we all just tick the box)
Step 3: Choosing an Entity Type
Here you will be prompted to select an Entity Type. There are two options: Individual or Organisation. The entity type is what Apple uses to display as your client's Developer Name. For example, as an Individual, your client's Developer Name will be their full name. As an Organisation, your client's Developer Name will be their Business’ Name.
* We highly recommend that you or your client registers as an Organization. Apple has emphasised in Item 4.2.6 from the Developer Agreement that the App Name and Developer Name need to match in order for your application to have a higher chance of approval.*
If your client is enrolling as an Organisation (recommended):
Your client will need an Apple ID as well as the following to get started:
- A D-U-N-S® Number
- Legal Entity Status
- Your client's organisation must be a legal entity so that it can be entered into contracts with Apple. Apple does not accept DBAs, fictitious businesses, trade names, or branches.
- Legal Binding Authority
- As the person enrolling your organisation in Apple’s Developer Program, your client must have the legal authority to bind your organisation to legal agreements. So the client must be the organisation’s owner/founder, executive team member, senior project lead, or have legal authority granted to them by a senior employee.
Step 4: Contact Information
After you select your client's entity type, Apple will want them to enter and confirm their contact information, please ensure this is accurate.
Step 5: Payment & Confirmation
After entering payment information, Apple will ask you to complete and confirm your purchase. Go ahead.
Your client will receive an email confirmation of their order with a link to verify their email address. Follow the instructions (click the link) to confirm their developer account. All done now, you've taken the first step in getting the app published to iOS
A Few Additional Items:
- Your account renews yearly and is required so your businesses application runs properly
- Log into itunesconnect.apple.com and developer.apple.com using your Apple ID login information
- Confirmation of your account can take up to 48 hours by Apple
- In order to successfully publish iOS applications, ensure you have logged in and accepted any additional Terms of Service prompts.
- You can request to have the $99 annual membership fee waived if your clients business is a nonprofit organisation or accredited educational institution that will distribute only free apps on the App Store and is based in an eligible country (Brazil, China, Japan, United Kingdom, United States). Apple will review your request and contact you to let you know whether your request is approved.
Click Here for more details on eligibility requirements.