> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.viral-app.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Apple Developer Account

> Everything you need to know about the Apple Developer Program

# Apple Developer Account

Before you can publish any app on the App Store, you need to enroll in the **Apple Developer Program**. This is Apple's paid membership that gives you access to app distribution, App Store Connect, and all the tools needed to publish your app.

<Check>
  **Already have an Apple Developer account?** [Skip to Expo Account →](/quickstart/expo-account)
</Check>

<Warning>
  **Apple takes 24-48 hours to approve your enrollment.** Start this step immediately — you can continue setting up the rest of your app while you wait.
</Warning>

***

## Why Do You Need This?

Without an Apple Developer account, you can only run apps on your own device during development. The Apple Developer Program unlocks:

* **App Store distribution** — publish apps for anyone to download
* **App Store Connect** — manage your app listings, pricing, and analytics
* **TestFlight** — distribute beta versions to testers before launch
* **In-App Purchases & Subscriptions** — monetize your app through Apple's payment system
* **Push Notifications** — send notifications to your users

<Info>
  **One account = unlimited apps.** You can publish as many apps as you want with a single \$99/year membership. There's no per-app fee.
</Info>

***

## Individual vs Organization Account

Apple offers two types of developer accounts. Here's how to choose:

### Individual Account

**Best for:** Solo developers, indie hackers, side projects

| Aspect             | Details                                       |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Cost**           | \$99/year                                     |
| **Approval time**  | 24-48 hours                                   |
| **Requirements**   | Just an Apple ID and valid payment method     |
| **App Store name** | Your personal legal name (e.g., "John Smith") |
| **Ideal for**      | Personal projects, MVPs, testing ideas        |

<Tip>
  **Choose Individual if you're just getting started.** You can always upgrade to an Organization account later. Most indie developers stick with Individual accounts.
</Tip>

### Organization Account

**Best for:** Companies, startups with a registered business, apps that need to show a company name

| Aspect             | Details                                                      |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Cost**           | \$99/year                                                    |
| **Approval time**  | 1-2 weeks (requires verification)                            |
| **Requirements**   | D-U-N-S Number, legal entity, authority to bind organization |
| **App Store name** | Your company name (e.g., "Acme Inc.")                        |
| **Ideal for**      | Client work, businesses, apps representing a company         |

<Warning>
  **Organization accounts require a D-U-N-S Number** — a free business identifier from Dun & Bradstreet. If you don't have one, it takes 1-2 weeks to obtain. [Request a D-U-N-S Number here](https://developer.apple.com/support/D-U-N-S/).
</Warning>

### Quick Decision Guide

| If you...                               | Choose...                               |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Are launching your first app            | Individual                              |
| Want to ship quickly                    | Individual                              |
| Have a registered LLC or company        | Organization (but Individual works too) |
| Are building for a client               | Organization (shows their company name) |
| Just want to test an idea               | Individual                              |
| Need your company name on the App Store | Organization                            |

***

## Step-by-Step Enrollment

### Step 1: Create an Apple ID (if needed)

If you already have an Apple ID, skip to Step 2.

1. Go to [appleid.apple.com](https://appleid.apple.com/)
2. Click **Create Your Apple ID**
3. Use an email you have access to — Apple will send verification codes here
4. Set up two-factor authentication (required)

<Note>
  Use an email you check regularly. Apple sends important notifications about your app reviews and account status here.
</Note>

### Step 2: Enroll in the Developer Program

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit the enrollment page">
    Go to [developer.apple.com/programs/enroll](https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in with your Apple ID">
    Use the Apple ID you want associated with your developer account
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select account type">
    Choose **Individual** or **Organization** based on the guide above
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete your profile">
    Enter your legal name and address exactly as they appear on your ID. Apple verifies this information.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pay the $99 annual fee">
    Apple accepts all major credit cards
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for approval">
    * **Individual:** 24-48 hours
    * **Organization:** 1-2 weeks (Apple verifies your business)
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## After Approval

Once approved, you'll have access to:

### App Store Connect

[appstoreconnect.apple.com](https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/)

This is where you:

* Create your app listing
* Set up in-app purchases and subscriptions
* View sales and analytics
* Manage TestFlight beta testing
* Submit your app for review

### Developer Portal

[developer.apple.com/account](https://developer.apple.com/account/)

This is where you:

* Create App IDs and bundle identifiers
* Manage certificates and provisioning profiles
* Configure capabilities (push notifications, Sign in with Apple, etc.)

***

## While You Wait

Apple's approval takes time, but you don't have to wait to continue. Do these next:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Set Up Expo Account" icon="cube" href="/quickstart/expo-account">
    Required for building your app — free and takes 5 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Service Accounts" icon="key" href="/quickstart/create-accounts">
    Set up Supabase, RevenueCat, and MixPanel
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I publish unlimited apps with one account?">
    Yes. There's no limit to how many apps you can publish with a single \$99/year membership.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I switch from Individual to Organization later?">
    Yes, but it requires creating a new developer account. Your apps can be transferred to the new account.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need a Mac to publish on the App Store?">
    Yes. iOS development requires macOS. You'll need a Mac to run Xcode and submit your app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my enrollment is rejected?">
    Apple usually provides a reason. Common issues: name mismatch with ID, invalid payment method, or missing business verification for Organization accounts.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is the $99 fee per app or per year?">
    Per year. One fee covers unlimited apps for 12 months.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>