Comprehensive Tutorial on Registering for Apple's Developer Program for Corporate Entities
For businesses looking to create and distribute iOS apps on the App Store, the Apple Developer Program is a necessary membership. This program offers tools and permissions to build, test, and distribute apps on the platform. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to enroll in the Apple Developer Program for businesses (company account).
Requirements
- Legal Entity Status: Your company must be a legal entity (e.g., corporation, LLC, partnership) to enroll as a company/organization. Sole proprietors or individuals cannot enroll as companies but must use individual accounts instead.
- D-U-N-S Number: You need a D-U-N-S number, which is a unique business identifier provided by Dun & Bradstreet. Apple verifies your company’s identity using this number. If you don’t have one, you can request it from Dun & Bradstreet or use Apple's lookup tool.
- Apple ID with Two-Factor Authentication: The account holder must have an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled, which is mandatory for enrolling a company account.
Enrollment Process
- Preparation: Ensure your company has a D-U-N-S number and the account holder has an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.
- Visit the Enrollment Page: Go to Apple’s Developer Program enrollment page and select “Start Your Enrollment”.
- Enter Personal Information: Enter personal information for the account holder (matching Apple ID).
- Select Entity Type: Choose Company/Organization as the entity type.
- Provide Company Details: Provide required company details, including D-U-N-S number, legal organization/company name exactly as registered, company website address, a valid contact phone number (Apple will call to verify enrollment), company’s legal address, and your personal address (for the account holder).
- Confirm Legal Authority: Confirm legal authority to enroll on behalf of the company. You must have the authority to bind your organization to the Apple Developer Program terms.
- Payment: The cost to enroll is $99/year for the Apple Developer Program for businesses unless you qualify for a fee waiver (e.g., nonprofit organizations).
Once approved, your apps will publish under your company’s name on the App Store, maintaining your business branding and providing you full control over your apps.
In summary, to create a company Apple Developer Program account, your business must be a legal entity with a D-U-N-S number, you must have an Apple ID with two-factor authentication, and provide verified company details during enrollment, including proof of legal authority to sign on behalf of the company.
Post-Enrollment
Once approved, you can invite teammates (developers, marketers, etc.) to your account. With the Apple Developer Program, you'll have access to App Store Connect, TestFlight, developer tools, support for in-app purchases, subscriptions, and monetization features.
As of 2024, the App Store hosts over 1.8 million apps, making it essential for businesses to comply with App Store submission requirements. To ensure a smooth enrollment and publication process, follow these steps carefully and provide accurate information throughout.
- For businesses looking to incorporate push notifications, subscriptions, and in-app purchases into their business app, the Apple Developer Program is a necessary membership.
- With the no-code app builder and the tools provided by the Apple Developer Program, it becomes easier for businesses to create and distribute finance and technology-based business apps on the App Store.
- Once enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, businesses can take advantage of services like TestFlight, App Store Connect, and support for monetization features, allowing them to efficiently manage and grow their presence on the App Store.
