If you're an app developer, entrepreneur, or business owner planning to launch an app on the App Store, your journey begins with a crucial step—buying an Apple Developer Account. Whether you're building the next viral iOS app or offering a custom app for your business, having a registered developer account with Apple is essential.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to buy Apple Developer Account in 2025, including the different types of accounts, the registration process, costs, eligibility, and tips to ensure your account gets approved quickly.

What Is an Apple Developer Account?

An Apple Developer Account is a membership that gives individuals and organizations access to Apple's software development tools, documentation, beta releases, and—most importantly—the ability to distribute apps on the App Store.
Once you buy Apple Developer Account, you can publish iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps to millions of users worldwide. This membership also grants access to key technologies like TestFlight, Apple Pay integration, CloudKit, and more.

Why Do You Need to Buy Apple Developer Account?

There are several important reasons developers choose to buy Apple Developer Account:
1. App Store Distribution
You cannot publish apps to the App Store without a valid developer account. This applies whether you’re a solo developer or a company.
2. Access to Developer Tools
When you buy an Apple Developer Account, you gain access to Xcode, APIs, SDKs, and extensive technical documentation that’s only available to registered developers.
3. Beta Testing with TestFlight
Want to test your app before going live? Buying an Apple Developer Account allows you to use TestFlight to distribute beta versions to testers.
4. Push Notifications and In-App Purchases
You need a developer account to integrate features like push notifications, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and Apple Sign-In.
5. Mac and Enterprise Development
Beyond iOS apps, this account also enables macOS software development, enterprise deployment, and integration with Apple’s device management tools.

Types of Apple Developer Accounts

Before you buy an Apple Developer Account, it’s important to choose the type of membership that best suits your needs. Apple offers two main types:
1. Individual Account
● Best for solo developers



● Tied to a single Apple ID



● Apps are published under the developer’s personal name



2. Organization Account
● Best for companies and startups



● Requires a D-U-N-S number (business verification)



● Apps are published under the company name



● Access to advanced tools like Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager



There’s also the Apple Developer Enterprise Program, intended for companies that need to distribute proprietary, internal-use apps to employees. However, this is not required for App Store distribution.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Apple Developer Account?
The cost to buy Apple Developer Account is:
● $99 per year for both individual and organization accounts.



● $299 per year for the Apple Developer Enterprise Program.



This subscription must be renewed annually to maintain access to all tools, services, and app listings on the App Store.

Requirements Before You Buy Apple Developer Account

Before you initiate the registration process, ensure the following requirements are met:
For Individual Accounts:
● An Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled



● A valid email address



● A government-issued ID (for identity verification)



For Organization Accounts:
● A D-U-N-S Number (free to obtain from Dun & Bradstreet)



● Legal entity status (e.g., LLC, Corporation)



● Legal authority to sign agreements on behalf of the organization



● Website and public contact information



Step-by-Step: How to Buy Apple Developer Account

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you buy Apple Developer Account in 2025:
Step 1: Create or Use an Existing Apple ID
Visit Apple’s official site and create an Apple ID if you don’t already have one. Make sure to enable two-factor authentication, which is mandatory.
Step 2: Prepare Required Information
Gather personal or business documents depending on the type of account you’re applying for.
Step 3: Visit the Apple Developer Program Enrollment Page
Log in with your Apple ID and begin the enrollment process by selecting your account type (individual or organization).
Step 4: Accept the Developer Agreement
Carefully read and accept Apple’s Developer Program License Agreement.
Step 5: Provide Business Information (if applicable)
For organizations, input your legal business name, D-U-N-S number, website, and phone number.
Step 6: Pay the Membership Fee
You will be prompted to pay the annual fee of $99 using a credit card. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Apple.
Step 7: Wait for Verification and Approval
Apple may take 24-72 hours to process your application. For organizations, Apple may contact your business directly to verify your identity and authority.
Step 8: Account Activation
Once approved, you can log in to your Apple Developer account dashboard and start developing, testing, and submitting apps.

Tips for a Smooth Apple Developer Account Purchase

To avoid delays or rejections, follow these tips when you decide to buy Apple Developer Account:
● Double-check your Apple ID details. Make sure your name, address, and email match your official ID.



● For businesses, use a matching domain email. Using a company email (e.g., ) increases credibility.



● Ensure your business is listed with Dun & Bradstreet. If not, apply for a D-U-N-S number early—it can take several days to be issued.



● Stay ready for phone verification. Apple may contact you to verify your business information.



Common Issues When Trying to Buy Apple Developer Account

Although the process is straightforward, many users run into challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
1. D-U-N-S Number Not Found
If Apple can’t verify your D-U-N-S number, contact Dun & Bradstreet to ensure your business listing matches Apple’s records.
2. Verification Delays
If your account approval is taking longer than expected, reach out to Apple Developer Support with your enrollment ID.
3. Two-Factor Authentication Not Enabled
Without two-factor authentication, you won’t be able to enroll. Set this up in your Apple ID settings before applying.
4. Payment Failed
Ensure your credit card supports international transactions and has sufficient balance to avoid failed payments.

Renewing Your Apple Developer Account

Each Apple Developer Account subscription lasts for one year. You’ll receive an email reminder 30 days before the renewal date. Failure to renew will result in:
● Removal of your apps from the App Store



● Loss of access to developer tools



● Inability to submit new apps or updates



To avoid this, ensure your payment method is up to date and enable auto-renewal if possible.

Is It Legal to Buy Apple Developer Account from Third Parties?

While you may find offers online from third parties claiming to sell Apple Developer Accounts, this practice is against Apple’s guidelines. Accounts must be registered under the actual person or business entity that will be using them.
Buying an account from a third party can lead to:
● Immediate suspension or termination of the account



● Rejection of app submissions



● Legal implications for violating Apple’s terms



Always register your own account directly through Apple to ensure full control and compliance.

Conclusion

Choosing to buy Apple Developer Account is the first major step toward launching a successful app in Apple’s ecosystem. With millions of daily active users on iOS, having access to the App Store is a powerful opportunity for developers and businesses alike.
By understanding the requirements, following the correct process, and avoiding shortcuts, you can secure your Apple Developer Account smoothly and begin developing and distributing your apps with confidence.
Whether you’re an individual building your first app or a startup scaling a mobile product, the Apple Developer Program provides the tools, resources, and global reach you need to succeed in today’s app economy.