9 Steps to Get your Apple Developer Account

You'll need an Apple Developer Account if you're launching a Mobile App community. Follow these steps to set up your Apple Developer Account.

What is an Apple Developer Account and why do I need one? 

So that you can get your Mobile App onto Apple's App Store, you'll need to set up an Apple Developer Account.

Apple's App Store has more than 500 million visitors every week. And the average user spends well over two hours a day using apps they've downloaded. 

Having your own developer account also allows you to showcase your app under your own brand identity and company name.

How long does it take to set up my Apple Developer Account?

It takes around 10 minutes to complete the application process and your account should be ready within 1-4 weeks. A few days after submitting your application, Apple will call you to verify your business so keep an eye out for phone calls. 

How much does an Apple Developer Account cost?

Apple charges $99 USD per year for an Apple Developer Account membership.

 

What do I need before applying for an Apple Developer Account?

  1. D-U-N-S Number – Apple will use it to verify your organisation’s identity and legal entity status. Don’t have one? Here is how you go about Getting your D-U-N-S Number.
  2. Apple ID – If you have an Apple device, you should have this already. You probably use it to sign in to your iCloud account. Don’t have one? Here's how to create your Apple ID.
  3. Legal Entity Status – Your organisation must be a legal entity.
    Here are some examples: Corporation, Trust, Non-profit organisation, and Limited liability company.
    If you are based in the UK  you will be required to be a limited company. Here is a step by step to set up a limited company and how you can Register Your Company.
  4. A Website – Your organisation’s website must be publicly available and the domain name must be associated with your organisation. It can be as simple as a one-page website.
  5. An Apple product – you will need either an iPhone, iPad or Mac to go through this process.

Got everything you need? Let’s get started! 

Step 1

Go to Apple's Developer enrolment page and click Start Your Enrolment at the bottom of the page.

Step 2

Enter your Apple ID and password.

Step 3

Accept Apple’s Developer Agreement to proceed.

Step 4

Confirm your personal information.

Step 5

You’ll have to re-enter your information again in the Romanized Contact Information section. What's Romanized Contact Information, you ask? Don't worry, it's just an old-fashioned way some systems recognise writing. All you need to do is enter your details again. 

 

Let’s pause and take a deep breath – we’re nearly there...

 

Step 6

Next, you need to select your entity type.

Make sure that you select: Company / Organisation

6-1 

Step 7

Enter your Legal Entity Name and your D-U-N-S Number.

Step 8

Pay for your Apple Developer Account. This is an annual payment. Don't forget to check the Automatic Renewal box if you want your membership to be automatically renewed.

Step 9

When Apple approves your account (this can take between 1-4 weeks), you'll receive a confirmation email. Follow the steps in the email to finish your application. They will also phone you on the number provided to verify your company status.

 

What’s next? 

In order to launch your own community app in the Google PlayStore you need to do the following:

 

Having trouble setting up your Apple or Google account?

You can find more information by visiting Apple’s support site and Google’s support site.

 

Already have Apple and Google accounts?

You'll need to link Disciple to these accounts so that we can start building your Mobile App. Then link these accounts to Disciple, so you can get access to the Disciple platform. 

Check out our handy guide which is conveniently called How do I link my Developer Account with Disciple