How to create an Apple Developer account

Want to publish an app on the App Store? The first mandatory step is to create an Apple Developer account through the Apple Developer Program. Without it, you cannot submit an app to Apple. This guide explains the cost, expected timing and the complete process, including the common pitfalls that can cost weeks.

What is an Apple Developer account?

An Apple ID and an Apple Developer account are not the same thing. Your Apple ID is your free Apple login. A developer account is a paid membership added to an Apple ID, and it is what gives you the right to publish on the App Store.

During enrolment, Apple asks you to choose an account type:

• Individual: your app is published under your personal name.

• Organisation: your app is published under your company name and requires a D-U-N-S number. This is the recommended option for a business.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

• Cost: $99 per year, automatically renewed, for an unlimited number of App Store apps.

• Timing: from a few days to two to four weeks. If you need a D-U-N-S number first, allow two to four weeks. If you already have one, activation takes a few days.

How to create an Apple Developer account in seven steps

1. Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID

Sign in at appleid.apple.com, open Sign-In and Security, then Account Security, and enable two-factor authentication. Apple blocks enrolment until two-factor authentication is active.

2. Access the Apple Developer portal

Go to developer.apple.com/account and sign in. Select “Enroll today”.

3. Continue enrolment on the web

Apple may offer mobile-app enrolment. Choose “Continue enrollment on the web” instead. It is simpler for this process.

4. Confirm your personal information

Enter your legal name, exactly as it appears on your identity document, a verifiable phone number and your full address.

Check this information carefully. Apple may restrict later changes after validation.

5. Choose an organisation account

Choose this option to publish under your company name. Apple requests a D-U-N-S number in the next step. In many countries, registered companies already have one at no cost.

6. Obtain your D-U-N-S number

This nine-digit international identifier is managed by Dun & Bradstreet and must exactly match your legal company name. In many countries it is already derived from your national business registration number — the SIREN or SIRET in France, the company number in the United Kingdom, the EIN in the United States.

7. Accept the licence and pay $99

Accept the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, add a payment method and confirm. Apple sends a “Welcome to the Apple Developer Program” email once your account is activated.

What you need to know about D-U-N-S

D-U-N-S is the point that most often delays merchants. In most countries it is already available at no cost. Check before requesting a new one.

• Look it up first: Apple provides a D-U-N-S lookup tool that works for any country. In Europe you can also use Dun & Bradstreet’s UPIK service: select your country and search by company name or registration number. If your company appears, its D-U-N-S number is displayed.

• If your company does not appear: this can happen with recently created businesses. You can request a number free of charge, which may take up to 30 days, or use an immediate paid service.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• An Apple ID is not a developer account. The developer account is a paid membership attached to an existing Apple ID.

• Enable two-factor authentication before starting enrolment.

• Use an Apple ID dedicated to your company, such as apple@your-company.com, rather than a director’s personal Apple ID. This Apple ID becomes the Account Holder and can be difficult to transfer later.

• Do not use an Apple ID already linked to another Apple Developer Program.

• Your legal company name must match the D-U-N-S record exactly, including spaces, accents and abbreviations.

What comes next: publishing your app

Once your Apple Developer account is active, you still need to prepare the app, create its App Store listing with screenshots and description, then submit it for Apple’s review.

With Prestafy, you only need to create your Apple Developer account. We turn your PrestaShop store into a mobile app, sign it and publish it on the App Store for you.

For the complete publication path, see our guide to publishing an app on the App Store and Google Play.