Once you have created your Apple ID, you will also need to enable two-factor authentication on it which is a requirement by Apple for all Apple IDs. It’s easiest if you have an Apple device that you can use, but if you don’t simply reach out to Apple and they’ll be able to help you set that up. 

Doing so now will help streamline the rest of the enrollment process.

Step 2: Click “Join the Apple Developer Program”

Once you’ve logged-in, or created a new Apple ID and have logged-in with it at https://developer.apple.com/ you’ll see a link titled “Join the Apple Developer Program”.

This will take you to a page where Apple tells you all about the developer program. You can read through this if you want, but once you’re ready click on the “Enroll” button.

This will take you to a page telling you what the two different account types are, and what you need for each one. These are the two different types of Apple developer accounts:

Individual:

An individual account only allows for a single primary login to be created to the iOS Developer Account. Also, the developer name that will be made public (on the App Store) will be your First and Last name. Sign up for an individual account only if your app is branded to you as an individual.

Company/Organization:

A company/organization account allows for multiple user logins to be created and managed with varying permissions capabilities for each login. The developer name that will be made public will be your company or organization’s name.

Enrolling in the correct account, or entity type, is vitally important to getting your app submitted and approved by Apple. Not sure which account type to enroll as? It all boils down to what your app’s content is for, and what it’s branding is set to. 

Using Tony Stark of the Avengers as an example, let’s say he built an app about himself called “Tony Stark’s App”. Not as creative as his Iron Man suits, but it does the job, and everything in that app is related to him as an individual person. Then he could enroll as an individual. But let’s say he made an app for his company Stark Enterprises, or a charitable organization that he created. He’d have to enroll as a Company/Organization for that app since it’s created specifically for his company or organization.

Enrolling as a Company/Organization will require providing a Dun and Bradstreet number, which we will go over later on.

Once you have gone over this information click “Start your enrollment”.

Step 3: Confirm that your email address, name, and Country location is correct, then select the type of account that you’re enrolling as:

Next you’ll be asked to verify your email address, name, and country location then select the account (or entity type) that you’re going to enroll as.

Remember, keep in mind what your app is designed for. If your app was built and branded for you as an individual, then you can enroll as an individual. If your app was built and is branded to your company or organization, then you will need to enroll as a Company/Organization. In order to do so, you will need to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. If you’re uncertain as to whether your business has a DUNS number, then you can check to see here.

If you don’t have a DUNS number yet, it is free to get one, and you can obtain one at this page. The process of obtaining one typically takes a couple of weeks. If you need help with obtaining a DUNS number, you can follow the steps found here. That page also has instructions for organizations outside of the United States.

Once you have a DUNS number, you can provide it to Apple during the enrollment process with Apple.

Step 4: Enter in your contact information and read through the agreement at the bottom of the page

In the next screen you’ll be asked to fill out the contact information for your account:

Step 5: Verify your account information then click “Continue”.

Once you have read through Apple’s Developer Program License Agreement and clicked continue you’ll be asked to verify your account information. Once you’ve done this click Continue.

Step 6: Decide if you want Automatic Renewal 

Next you’ll be brought to a screen telling you how much the enrollment fee will cost and it’s duration. You’ll also have the option to enable automatic renewal which will help you if you’d like to not worry about renewing your plan each year. Go ahead and check the box if you’d like to enable this (you can always disable it later) then click Purchase to move onto paying for your developer account.

Step 9: Fill out the rest of the information on the proceeding screens

Within 24 hours, Apple should send you an email confirming that your Apple Developer Account has been created successfully.

What are some tips you should know about?

Pro Tip: You may be eligible to waive Apple’s enrolment fee

Nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities based in the United States that will distribute only free apps on the App Store can request to have their annual membership fee waived. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify.

Note: In order to be eligible, you will need to provide Apple with a DUNS number.

Pro Tip: You can have multiple apps under your account

You can have multiple apps under your account as long as they:

• Apply directly to your business

• Are not the same in nature or intent

• Adhere to Apple's terms and guidelines.