Apple Developer: Overview & Setup

Apple Developer Account: Purpose

Please read the entire article carefully to avoid issues.

All Apps in the iTunes Store are submitted through Apple Developer accounts. In order to publish your app for iOS devices, you will need to sign up for an Apple Developer account. Apple requires each business to have its own account as per  Apple Guidelines 5.2.1.

We have 2 documents that you may find useful. 

• General Instructions  (not recommended for businesses )
• organisations such as councils.

Enrolment is $99 which is approximately £79 and renews annually.

Note: Fee Waiver for membership/enrolment is for eligible organisations, including non-profit organisations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities based. Eligible countries: Brazil, China, Japan, United Kingdom, United States.

 Click Here for more details on eligibility requirements. 

Apple often asks for a letter of Authority so attached is an example letter. Supply your regular phone or business number as they will contact you.

Before you start you need 2 things ready.

1. New Apple ID registered to the business/organisation using an official email address. You must use an official business email address, using a personal one will fail.  The same details will then be used to open the Apple Developer account. If you dont have an Apple device you can create one online. https://appleid.apple.com/account

Note: Don't use your personal Apple ID, you can use up to 3 Apple ID on your iPhone.

2. D-U-N-S number, see below for instructions

Registration

Note: In order to register as an Organisation you need to obtain a D-U-N-S number see below for instructions.

Below is a step-by-step guide for enrolling. If you run into any issues, we recommend contacting Apple support directly at 1-800-633-2152.

Step 1: Create a new Apple ID and Apple Developer Account ID. (Please use an official email address for both accounts for organisations, otherwise it will be rejected.)

You can create an Apple ID online. https://appleid.apple.com/account

Basically, you first create a unique Apple ID for your business or organisation, then open an Apple Developer Account which links to your Apple 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 business name using that business or organisation email. This way your personal ID is separate from your business account.

Note: you can create multiple Apple ID's on your Apple devices for authentication purposes. Please use an official organisation email or one that appears to represent your business or organisation such as clerk@witney-tc.gov.uk. 

Step 2: Developer Agreement
You will be prompted to read and verify that you have read Apple’s Developer Agreement.

Step 3: Choosing an Entity Type
Here you will be prompted to select an Entity Type.  There are three options: Individual, Organisation, or Government Organisation.  The entity type is what Apple uses to display as you Developer Name.  For example, as an Individual, your Developer Name will be your full name.  As an Organisation, your Developer Name will be your Business’ Name.

Note: We highly recommend that you register as an Organisation or Government (if applicable). Apple has emphasised per Item 4.2.6 in the Developer Agreement that the App Name and Developer Name need to match in order for your application to be approved.*  

Individual accounts are suitable for small businesses like sole traders, however you may be able to sign up with an individual name but ideally its best using an official business email address.

If Enrolling as an Organisation:
You'll need an Apple ID as well as the following to get started:

• A D-U-N-S® Number
  • Register Here
  • Learn More Here
  • FAQ’s Here
• Legal Entity Status
  • Your organisation much 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, you must have the legal authority to bind your organisation to legal agreements.  You must be the organisation's owner/founder, executive team member, senior project lead, or have legal authority granted to you by a senior employee. 

Step 4: Contact Information

After you select your entity type, Apple will want you to enter and confirm your contact information.  Use your official email address that belongs to your organisation.

Step 5: Payment & Confirmation

After entering your payment information, Apple will ask you to complete and confirm your purchase.

Step 6: Email Confirmation

You should receive an email confirmation of your order with a link to verify your email address. Follow the instructions to confirm your account. Now you are an Apple Developer!  

Important Note: Once you opened an Apple developer account  Apple sends a confirmation email with the subject line "Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID." This email states, "If you didn’t enable two-factor authentication and believe someone else has access to your account, you can return to your previous security settings" And then gives you a direct link with the ability to turn OFF two-factor authentication. This link is time-sensitive and provides a two-week window. After two weeks it will expire and you may not turn off two-factor authentication. However you can assign us as a team member,  but its far easier if we can simply access your account to upload the app.

A Few Additional Items:

• Your account renews yearly and is required so your 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 72 hours by Apple or longer for non-profit organisations.
• In order to successfully publish iOS applications, ensure you have logged in and accepted any additional Terms of Service prompts, and that you do not have Two Factor Authentication enabled.
• Membership Fee Waiver is available for eligible organisations, including non-profit organisations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities.  Click Here for more details on eligibility requirements. 
• Apple often asks for a letter of Authority so attached is an example letter. Supply your regular phone or business number as they will contact you.
• Refer to Apple's guidelines.
  
  Note: Since March 2019 Apple now requires 2-factor authentication, which means we need to be added as a trusted number to your account.  Please ask for more info.