How to Create an Apple Developer Account
Everything you need to know to sign up for the Apple Developer Program, step by step - with a video walkthrough.
1. What is the Apple Developer Program?
The Apple Developer Program is a paid membership that gives you the ability to publish apps on the App Store, access beta software, and use TestFlight for testing. Without it, you cannot distribute your app to iPhone and iPad users worldwide.
It costs $99 per year and is required for anyone who wants to put an app on the App Store.
2. Requirements
Before you start, make sure you have:
- An Apple device — iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You need one to verify your identity with two-factor authentication.
- An Apple ID — with two-factor authentication enabled.
- A valid payment method — credit or debit card for the $99 annual fee.
- Your legal name — must match your government-issued ID.
3. Create or prepare your Apple ID
If you already have an Apple ID (the account you use for iCloud or the App Store), you can use that. If not:
Go to appleid.apple.com/account and click "Create Your Apple ID". appleid.apple.com/account.
Fill in your name, email address, and password. Use your real legal name - it must match your ID for the developer enrollment.
Enable two-factor authentication. Go to your Apple ID settings on your iPhone or Mac → Password & Security → Turn on Two-Factor Authentication. This is required.
4. Enroll in the Developer Program
developer.apple.com/programs/enroll Go to developer.apple.com/programs/enroll.
Click "Start Your Enrollment" and sign in with your Apple ID.
Apple will ask you to verify your identity. On iPhone/iPad, you may need to download the Apple Developer app from the App Store to complete this step. On a Mac, you can do it through the website.
Review and agree to the Apple Developer Agreement.
5. Individual vs. Organization
During enrollment, you'll choose between two account types:
- For solo developers or freelancers
- Your personal name appears as the seller on the App Store
- Simple setup - no extra documents needed
- Best choice for most Kurdinz users
- For companies, businesses, or teams
- Your company name appears as the seller
- Requires a D-U-N-S number (free to get, takes a few days)
- Choose this if you want a business name on your app
6. Pay the annual fee
After identity verification, Apple will present the $99/year payment. Enter your credit or debit card details.
Complete the payment. You'll receive a confirmation email from Apple.
Wait for Apple to activate your account. For Individual accounts, this is usually within a few hours. For Organizations, it can take up to 48 hours.
7. What to do after enrollment
Once your account is active, you're ready to publish! Here are your next steps:
Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com - this is where you manage your apps, view downloads, and submit updates. appstoreconnect.apple.com
App Store Connect may ask you to accept additional agreements (like the Paid Applications agreement if you want to sell apps). Accept them to avoid issues later.
Head to Kurdinz, open your project, and follow our App Store submission guide to publish your first app. App Store submission guide.
8. Frequently asked questions
A free account lets you test on your own device, but you cannot publish to the App Store. The $99/year paid membership is required for App Store distribution.
Not for Kurdinz! Since Kurdinz builds your app in the cloud, you don't need a Mac. However, you need an Apple device (iPhone/iPad) for two-factor authentication during enrollment and to test via TestFlight.
It's a unique business identifier from Dun & Bradstreet, required only for Organization accounts. You can request one for free at Apple's D-U-N-S lookup page. It takes about 5–7 business days. Apple's D-U-N-S lookup page.
You can't convert an existing account, but you can create a new Organization account. Your apps can be transferred between accounts.
Contact Apple Developer Support at developer.apple.com/contact. They usually respond within 1–2 business days. developer.apple.com/contact.