How long does it take to get an Apple developer account (organization enrollment) approved?
It may take anywhere from 3 Days to 10 Days. It depends on the amount of queries Apple has in line.In case you cross 4 days waiting, call them up and ask for the status.
What is a project's organization identifier in Xcode?
If you create a new Xcode Project you will be asked to enter a "Organization Identifier" (or "Company Identifier") which will be used to identify your app.The product name and the company identifier you enter are concatenated to create the default "Bundle ID" using reverse domain name service notation. This bundle ID needs to be unique to your app.For example:Imagine your companies name is: MyCompanyand your app's name will be: MyAppIn this case you could choose a company identifier like: com.mycompany or org.mycompany etc...These company identifiers are not connected to any domain. Their purpose is only to identify the development company/person. Apple recommends using this reverse domain name service notation in order to keep the company identifiers unique.In our example your bundle identifier would be:com.mycompany.MyAppPlease note that the app name (app ID) is case sensitive. The bundle ID created from the organization identifier and the app identifier will be used in the Member Center of the Apple Developer Website, for iCloud Container IDs (to store app data in iCloud) and in the iTunes Connect Portal (to identify your app for distribution on the AppStore). Note that since bundle IDs must be unique you can't use a bundle ID for an iPhone app and the same bundle ID for a Mac app.So if you would like to create a iOS and a Mac version of our example app a good practice would be to include this into your bundle ID like:com.mycompany.ios.MyApp (for the iOS app) &com.mycompany.mac.MyApp (for the Mac app). You can find more about company identifiers or how to start using Xcode on Apple's Developer Library Website.For example here:https://developer.apple.com/libr...
I am under 18 years old and I want an Apple developer account. Would my parents have to enroll in the Apple developer program and then it to publish my apps?
You can’t enroll in Apple Developer’s Program if you’re under 18. Your parent (or any other adult) can enroll and you can publish your apps from their iTunes Connect. When you register for an Apple ID to enroll in the program, your DOB will be required.I am a 16 year old app developer. I wanted to have my name as both the developer and the seller when I publish my apps. The way I am doing this is - My Dad has registered a sole proprietorship, Harshita Apps. He owns it and also the bank account. He signed up for the Developer Program under his personal name and is now a member. He has submitted the required paperwork. Once Apple confirms that Harshita Apps is a legal entity, he can then publish apps under the name Harshita Apps.There’s more benefits to registering a sole proprietorship and treating your app as a business. In India, you can sign up for a current/checking bank account and use it for all transactions. With a savings account, there’s limitations and banks charge a fee for every incoming payment. The taxation process also becomes simpler.I recommend reading this to learn more the signup process and deploying your app on the App Store How to Submit An App to Apple: From No Account to App Store – Part 1 and this Choosing a Membership.
Can you switch an Apple developer account to a company from an individual?
I am assuming you are in the US, the following procedure is for US based companies, I do not know how it works for other countries.You can convert your individual account to a company account later.The process is to send a request to apple support @developers.apple.com. They will create a D-U-N-S number for you, before moving your stuff to the new account that process takes about a week. (at-least thats what they say). After the issuance of the number they would then move your account. During that time your account is basically locked and you will not be able to make any changes to whatever is in there.If you try and get a D-U-N-S number yourself, it is much harder. Two times I submitted the form at www.dnb.com and two times they closed the file without any communication. My recommendation is not try that.Whether you get a company account separately or transfer your account to a company account it is going to take you approximately the same time, except for the downtime which could be a week or longer, I don’t know at this point. But if you already have a D-U-N-S number it is basically a setting change and it is much faster.
As an iOS developer starting my own business, how can I create my own company with its own name, and use that as my identity on the Apple App Store? What is the process like? What are the costs besides the Apple Developer membership?
There are two different processes, depending on whether you are a sole trader or Ltd company.If you’re a company - you need to enroll as such (Organization)If you’re a sole trader - you need to enroll as an individualCompanies - go to Sign in with your Apple IDChoose company -> Follow steps(must be a real company, Apple will prompt you to create or find a Duns & Bradstreet number, If your business is UK based you can request aninstant DUNS number via phone 0800001234)Duns number is FREE, and may exist alreadyWhen you have obtained your DUNS number you can complete you Apple enrolment.When your enrolment has been completed, Apple will be in contact via email or phone, regarding your payment of $99 (annual subscription).Individuals - only do this if you are NOT a company - go to Sign in with your Apple IDNever fill incorrect information (Apple will check the details)
Why does Apple require a duns number for a company developer account?
I’ve been developing/publishing games on the Apple app store since it launched. I believe the primary reason Apple does this is to make sure that the developer is a real (reputable) company. The app store is full of opportunistic crooks who knock off successful apps, violate IP rights, use phony reviews to climb the charts, and game the system in numerous other ways to make a quick buck. Once a consumer or Apple catches on to the scam, they disappear into the night.Forcing a developer to have a DUNs number puts the company through one more level of scrutiny before allowing them to submit product to the store. While I’m sure it isn’t foolproof, it’s another roadblock for the crooks to overcome.And if you don’t believe me, search for Arcade Hoops in the App store, a game I personally developed in 2008. There are at least 10 products in the app store which steal the graphics right out of the game to sell the consumer a cheap knockoff (compare the hands if you have any doubt):Arcade Hoops (original game, 2008)Arcade Basketball - GP ImportsThese jokers didn’t even extend the arms to the bottom of the screen when they stole the hand sprites.Candy Hoops - Candy GamesArcade Real Money Basketball - iWEBss.comBasketball Blitz - Panida LumprawetAnd there are more… believe me. So that’s why Apple should at least require a DUNs number, if not more.
Should I distribute an iOS app from my developer account or the client account?
Apple Developer PolicyContract DevelopersIf you are a contract developer hired by an organization to develop apps or extensions for distribution on their behalf, or you are a contract developer hired by an organization to develop proprietary in-house apps for their employees and volume purchasing is not offered in your region:The company should enroll in the Apple Developer Program using the steps outlined above.They should add you to their development team in their account on the developer website so you can access membership resources.The company name will be listed as the seller if they are distributing apps on the App Store orMac App Store.Although the company must be the one to submit the app for review, you can assist them
Is it better to enroll as an individual or a company for the Apple Developer Program?
Neither is better than the other, I’d go with whatever describes your situation best.If you’re a person without a business, use the personal account, if you’re a business, take the business account.As a business, you want your App Store revenue to go to your business account because its tax rate is usually lower than personal or employment tax. However, to get a business account you must have an actual business and company entity.If you sign up for a personal account now, and open a business in time, you can always create a new business account for the new business. Moving your app over isn’t such a hassle as it used to be.