Your iOS app is complete and you’re ready to deploy? Now it’s time for you to choose the appropriate Apple Developer Program. Apple provides various programs for you to choose from: for App Store deployment, in-house deployment, or just for testing.
Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! If you’re still wondering which Apple Developer Program best fits your needs, then keep reading.
the different Apple Developer Programs
Each program comes with perks
I want to install and test my app on my device
If you only want to develop and test your iOS app on your iOS device, a free Apple Developer Program will do the job, and is particularly great for developers who want to try out.
What do I need?
- All you need is a free Apple ID and you’re off and running!
Learn more about the free Apple Developer Program enrollment process in the 4D for iOS documentation.
I want to publish iOS apps on the App store
If you’re an individual interested in creating apps for distribution on the App Store, you’ll need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program – $99/year.
If you’re an organization interested in creating apps for distribution on the App Store, you’ll need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program – $99/year.
What do I need?
- A free Apple ID
- Individuals – Provide basic personal information
- Organizations – A D-U-N-S Number, Legal Entity Status, Level Binding Authority, and a website
Learn more about the Apple Developer Program enrollment process for individuals or for organizations in the 4D for iOS documentation.
I want to distribute in-house iOS apps
If your organization is looking to create proprietary apps, designed and distributed exclusively to your organization’s employees, enroll in the Apple Developer Enterprise Program – $299/year.
What do I need?
- A D-U-N-S Number
- Legal Entity Status
- Level Binding Authority
- A website
Learn more about the Apple Developer Enterprise Program enrollment process in the 4D for iOS documentation.
I want to publish iOS apps on behalf of a client
Under the new Apple Guidelines, a developer creating apps for small businesses must create accounts in the App Store for each customer:
“4.2.6 Apps created from a commercialized template or app generation service will be rejected unless they are submitted directly by the provider of the app’s content. These services should not submit apps on behalf of their clients and should offer tools that let their clients create customized, innovative apps that provide unique customer experiences. Another acceptable option for template providers is to create a single binary to host all client content in an aggregated or “picker” model, for example as a restaurant finder app with separate customized entries or pages for each client restaurant, or as an event app with separate entries for each client event.”
Another solution would be to let your customers create their own organization accounts and provide you their account login details, so you can handle the submission process on their behalf.
At this stage, you should have a general understanding of the different programs offered by Apple. Happy deployment!