Apple now requires that apps built on behalf of a client are built in that client's developer account. This means if you have an app or would like an app, you will need to create your own Developer Account.
Having your own developer account will help when we need to update your app in the future, as it gives you greater control as well as ensuring there is no drop in service in the event that Apple changes their requirements. Apple has started enforcing identity protection of impersonation and intellectual property.
If you wish to publish an iOS app for your business, you are required to enrol in the Apple Developer Program as a company or organisation.
Overview
Enrolling is a 2-part process. Part 1 can take some time due to the D-U-N-S Number that will need to be applied for (if you do not already have a D-U-N-S Number.)
Part 1
- Step 1. Create an Apple ID
- Step 2. Sign up for DUNS
Part 2
- Step 1. Enrol in the Program
- Step 2. Confirm & Pay
- Step 3. Invite us!
Step 1. Create an Apple ID
The first step is setting up an Organisationally Managed Apple ID.
- Use an existing email address associated with your company to create an Apple ID
- We recommend using an email address that multiple people in the company can access, such as a Support, Accounts or Info email address
- If you don't have a company email address, please create one first. (Gmail is a good starting point)
- Create your Apple ID & follow the instructions below:
- Enter your company email in the form and fill out the rest. This email will be your new Apple ID. Apple will send important actions or decisions regarding your app to this email. Please make sure to check the emails regularly
- A 6-digit verification code is sent to you via email. Enter the code in the pop-up that opens. This code will expire three hours after the email was sent
- Your Apple ID has been created. Please be aware that creating an Apple ID is not the same as creating an Apple Developer account.
Note
Apple Business Accounts require that the Apple ID have 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication.) The ideal case is a company device that can be used by the individual for the purposes of creating & modifying the Apple ID/Business Account.
But the use of an individual device of the person setting up the accounts is also appropriate. Whoever will be managing the ID in the future is the ideal candidate. The 2FA trusted device/phone number can be transitioned at a later time.
Step 2. Get your D-U-N-S® Number
Apple verifies business entities by the use of a D-U-N-S Number. If you know the D-U-N-S Number for your company/organisation you can continue to Part 2.
If not, you'll need to look it up. Apple has created a form to look one up: D-U-N-S Number lookup tool.
The lookup tool will automatically transfer you to apply for a D-U-N-S number should you not be able to find one for your organisation. The application process usually takes anywhere from 5 business days to 2 weeks.
What is a D-U-N-S® number and where can I find it?
The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that identifies business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the D-U-N-S Number is widely used as a standard business identifier.
While many types of businesses can receive a D-U-N-S Number, your business must be recognised as a legal entity (e.g. a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company) to enter into the legal terms and obligations of Apple Developer Program agreements. DBAs, fictitious businesses, trade names, and branches are not accepted.
D&B may have already assigned your organisation a free D-U-N-S Number. Before enrolling, check if you already received one using the D-U-N-S Number lookup tool.
Pro Tip
As part of their verification process, a D&B representative may contact you for more information (e.g. type of business, the number of employees.) Please have your business registration documents ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I enrol as an individual or organisation?
If your company is a corporation (Corp., Inc.), limited liability company (LLC, LC, Ltd. Co.), or a legal entity (GmbH, AG, KG, oHg, etc.), you must enrol as an organisation or your app will be rejected.
Having an organisational membership with the Apple Developer Program gives you several advantages. For example, your company brand name will appear below the app name in the App Store, and you can invite additional developers to your team within your account.
However, if you are a sole proprietorship or a single person company, you must enrol as an individual.
Can I enrol as an individual and have my company appear as the seller on the App Store?
No. To have your company name appear as the seller, you must enrol as an organisation and your company must be recognised as a legal entity. If you are a sole proprietor/single person business, you must join as an individual and your legal name will appear as the seller.
How does the enrolment work?
When enrolling as an organisation, you can review the license agreement and purchase a membership after Apple Developer Support has verified your enrolment and sent you an email with the next steps. You can check your enrolment status in your Apple Developer Program. Be sure to sign in with the Apple ID you used to enrol.
Individuals and sole proprietors/single person businesses can review the license agreement and purchase a membership at the time of enrolment.
How much does a membership cost?
The Apple Developer Program membership is $99 per membership year in the United States and 99€ in Europe. This cost is the same for an individual membership and an organisational membership.
To provide a long-standing app, you must renew and pay for your membership every year.
What should I do if I can't find my D-U-N-S number?
If your company is not listed here, you can submit your information to Dun & Bradstreet for a free D-U-N-S Number. You will be asked for the following information when requesting a D-U-N-S Number using the D-U-N-S Number lookup tool:
- Legal entity name
- Headquarters address
- Mailing address
- Your work contact information
As part of their verification process, a D&B representative may contact you for more information (e.g. type of business, the number of employees.) Please have your business registration documents ready.
Comments
Article is closed for comments.