May 06, 2024 By Hamad Ibrahim 6 min
TL;DR: To elevate your App Store presence from an individual account to an organization account, obtain a D-U-N-S Number, align your account with your business, and prepare for the legal and financial aspects of the transition. This change expands your operational capabilities within the Apple Developer ecosystem.
Often, App Developer account levels can become a logistical headache for developer teams working in larger businesses.
Enter this guide: It provides direct, essential steps for changing your Apple Developer account from individual to organizational access.
An organization Apple Developer account is a professional representation of your business identity and makes collaboration easier across your development team
Individual accounts provide access to Apple's development tools but come with limitations such as App ID restrictions and frequent app re-provisioning for device testing.
If scaling up is in your plans, then definitely consider the benefits of an organization account: improved brand representation and compliance with Apple App Store guidelines for various apps, including iOS webview apps.
Tip: Before transitioning your individual Apple Developer account to an organizational one, secure a D-U-N-S Number and ensure all business details are accurately reflected in your account for a smooth changeover.
The D-U-N-S Number is a nine-digit identifier (a.k.a. “A data universal numbering system”). The D-U-N-S Number is key to proving your company’s legitimacy and legal entity status for the Apple Developer Program enrollment.
How does one get a D-U-N-S Number? Well, your business must be an established corporation, a limited partnership, or a limited liability company to get this number.
What does a D-U-N-S Number cost?
You can apply for a D-U-N-S Number at no cost. When you’re ready to apply, make sure to meet these three criteria below:
Meeting these three criterias will ensure a D-U-N-S Number — saving your organization the time and complications associated with rejections.
Tip: To streamline the process of obtaining a D-U-N-S Number, ensure your business is legally registered and has a professional online presence before applying.
Transitioning from an individual to an organization account is as easy as 1-2-3 — follow the steps below for a smooth transition:
Tip: When transitioning to an organization account, ensure all legal documentation is in order and anticipate the roles and responsibilities that come with managing a business presence on the App Store.
To ensure a seamless upgrade from an individual to an organization Apple Developer account, follow these steps:
During the waiting period, dedicate time to refining your app monetization strategy and assessing app development costs.
This preparation is vital for showcasing your organization’s readiness to engage with the iOS market share and succeed in Apple's platform.
Tip: Keep your organization’s documentation organized and easily available to facilitate a smooth and efficient account conversion process.
Entering the Apple Developer ecosystem requires an annual membership fee. Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s membership fees:
When budgeting for your organization, include these membership fees, as they provide access to Apple's global platform, enabling you to present your software to a vast audience.
It's important to manage these expenses wisely to maintain your organization's financial well-being while taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Apple Developer Program membership.
Tip: Minimize app developer fees by consolidating services and opting for long-term plans; routinely assess your subscriptions to cut excess costs.
Carefully align your financial planning with Apple's privacy policy requirements.
Make sure that each device used for development — including devices compatible with hybrid app and webview app development — is registered within the limit of 100 devices per category.
Once a device is removed from your account, it cannot be added again until the next enrollment year — which is why, understanding and following Apple's strict guidelines is key,
Maintain up-to-date and precise information across your developer account and App Store Connect to reflect your brand.
App Store Connect is your operational hub for managing app submissions, sales, and compliance with legal agreements — this is crucial for the successful launch of your apps in the global market.
Tip: Regularly review your Developer and App Store Connect accounts to ensure that all information is current and accurate, reflecting any changes in your team or business structure. This will help prevent any disruptions in your app development and distribution process.
The person holding legal authority within your organization is responsible for managing the Apple Developer account. This role is critical and requires attention to detail. Responsibilities include:
As the primary legal contact, this individual must:
Tip: The individual with legal authority over your organization's Apple Developer account must be meticulous in managing the account's legal agreements, program guidelines, and Apple's terms of service, including any updates or changes to the company's official records.
Transitioning from an individual to an organization Apple Developer account requires obtaining a D-U-N-S Number, understanding membership fees, and managing account logistics.
Developers upgrading their App Store presence benefit from an enhanced professional brand and expanded operational capabilities.
Preparation and comprehension of the legal and financial requirements are crucial for managing an organization's presence within the Apple Developer ecosystem.
The main differences between an individual and an organization Apple Developer account are that the individual account type is linked to a personal name and has limitations on app distribution and testing, while the organization account operates under a legal entity name, requires a D-U-N-S Number, and offers broader app management capabilities.
To establish credibility and confirm the legal entity status within initiatives such as the Apple Developer Program, an organization account requires a D-U-N-S Number to authenticate its identity.
Certainly, during the transition process to better suit your organization’s requirements, it is possible to change the ownership of the developer account over to a business email.
Indeed, the yearly subscription cost for an Apple Developer membership is $99 USD regardless of whether one registers as an individual or as part of an organization. Organizations have the alternative to join the Apple Developer Enterprise Program for a higher fee of $299 USD annually.
The pricing can differ depending on the region and may be influenced by local tax regulations.
To manage subsidiaries within your organization’s Apple Developer account, ensure they are legally connected and verified by Apple, then they can independently manage their App Store settings.
When you upgrade to an organization account, you gain access to a suite of tools and capabilities that are particularly beneficial for businesses aiming to convert their website to an app. This transition enables a more professional approach to app development and management, which is essential when you're looking to leverage your "web to app" strategy effectively within the Apple ecosystem.
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