Setup Guide

Creating Your Apple Developer Account

A step-by-step walkthrough to get your Apple Developer account set up and ready for your branded mobile app.

Estimated Time
15–20 min
Annual Fee
$99 / year
Approval
~48 hrs*
Our Recommendation

We recommend enrolling as an Individual account

Individual accounts are significantly faster to approve — often within 48 hours — and don't require any additional documentation. Organization accounts typically require business verification (paperwork, invoices, receipts proving ownership) and can take considerably longer.

If you're considering an Organization account mainly for tax or business reasons, it's worth noting that since the app is completely free (no paid downloads or in-app purchases), there's no App Store revenue tied to it — so your developer account type doesn't impact taxes related to the app itself.

The only visible difference between the two is that an Organization account displays your company name beneath your app on the App Store, while an Individual account displays your personal name. Your app's actual name is set separately and can still be your business or brand name regardless of which account type you choose.

App Store listing showing App Name vs Developer Name

The app name (circled top) is set separately and can be your business name regardless of account type. The developer name (circled bottom) is what changes based on Individual vs. Organization enrollment.

Individual / Sole Proprietor Recommended

  • Approved in ~48 hours
  • No additional documents needed
  • No D-U-N-S Number required
  • Developer name shows your personal name
  • App name can still be your business name

Organization

  • Longer approval (days to weeks)
  • Requires business verification documents
  • Requires a D-U-N-S Number (7–30 business days to obtain if you don't have one)
  • Developer name shows your company name
1

Create an Apple ID

Your Apple ID is required to sign in to the Apple Developer Program.

Already have an Apple ID? Skip ahead!

If you use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any Apple service (iCloud, Apple Music, the App Store, etc.), you already have an Apple ID. We recommend using your existing Apple ID to keep things simple — there's no need to create a new one. Jump straight to Part 2: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program below.

1

Go to the Apple ID creation page

account.apple.com

Open your web browser and visit account.apple.com. Click the "Create Your Apple ID" link at the top of the page.

Apple Account page showing Create Your Apple Account link
2

Enter your personal information

Fill in the required fields on the form:

  • Your first and last name
  • Your country or region
  • Your date of birth
  • An email address — this will become your Apple ID
  • Create a strong password (must be at least 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, and a number)
Create Your Apple Account form with name, email, and password fields
3

Verify your email address

Apple will send a verification code to the email address you provided. Check your inbox (and spam/junk folder if needed), then enter the 6-digit code on the verification screen to confirm your email.

Verify your email address screen with 6-digit code entry
4

Set up two-factor authentication

Apple requires two-factor authentication (2FA) for all Developer accounts. You'll be prompted to add a trusted phone number where you can receive verification codes via text message or phone call. Enter your phone number and verify it with the code Apple sends.

Tip: Use a phone number you have reliable access to — you'll need it any time you sign in to your Apple Developer account.
Add a trusted phone number screen for two-factor authentication
5

Your Apple ID is ready!

Once your email and phone number are verified, your Apple ID is created and ready to use. You'll be signed in to your account page at account.apple.com. You can now proceed to enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

Tip: Keep your Apple ID email and password somewhere safe — you'll need these credentials going forward.
2

Enroll in the Apple Developer Program

This is where you'll sign up and pay the $99 annual fee to get your developer account.

1

Visit the Apple Developer enrollment page

developer.apple.com/programs/enroll

Open your browser and go to developer.apple.com/programs/enroll. Click the "Enroll Today" button to begin. Then on the next screen, select "Continue enrollment on the web."

Apple Developer account with Enroll today button
Enroll with the Apple Developer app - Continue enrollment on the web
2

Sign in with your Apple ID

You'll be prompted to sign in. Enter your Apple ID email and password, then complete the two-factor authentication step by entering the verification code sent to your trusted device or phone number.

Screenshot: Apple ID sign-in prompt
3

Select your entity type

You'll be asked how you'd like to enroll. Select "Individual / Sole Proprietor" (our recommended option) or "Organization" if you prefer.

Reminder: We strongly recommend Individual / Sole Proprietor for fastest approval. Your app's name in the App Store is not affected by this choice — it can still be your business name.
Screenshot: Entity type selection
4

Confirm your personal details

Review and confirm the information pulled from your Apple ID, including your legal name, phone number, and address. Make sure everything is accurate — Apple uses this for identity verification. Update any fields if needed.

Screenshot: Personal information review
5

Review and agree to the Apple Developer Agreement

Read through the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, then click "Continue".

Screenshot: License agreement
6

Complete your purchase — $99

You'll be taken to a payment screen. The Apple Developer Program membership costs $99 USD per year. Enter your payment details and confirm the purchase. Apple accepts major credit and debit cards.

Reimbursement: Luxury Presence reimburses the $99 fee for your first year. After payment, forward your receipt to your Branded Mobile App Onboarding Manager and we'll apply a $99 credit to your account.
Screenshot: Payment screen
7

Wait for Apple's approval

After payment, Apple will review your enrollment. Here's what to expect:

  • Individual accounts: Typically approved within 48 hours, often sooner.
  • Organization accounts: Can take several days to weeks, as Apple requires additional verification of your business documentation.

You'll receive an email from Apple once your enrollment has been approved. You can also check your status at any time by signing in at developer.apple.com.

Heads up: Apple may contact you during the review process to verify your identity or request additional information. Keep an eye on the email associated with your Apple ID and respond promptly to avoid delays.
Screenshot: Enrollment confirmation
8

You're all set!

Once approved, your Apple Developer account is active and ready. Let your Luxury Presence Onboarding Manager know so we can begin building and publishing your branded mobile app.

Important — keep your account in good standing: Apple will periodically ask you to sign updated agreements within your developer account. Always sign these when prompted — if you don't, your app won't receive updates and may eventually be removed from the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about the enrollment process.

Does Luxury Presence reimburse the $99 Apple Developer fee?
Yes — for your first year only. Forward your payment receipt to your Branded Mobile App Onboarding Manager and we'll apply a $99 credit to your Luxury Presence account.
Should I create a new Apple ID or use my existing one?
Either works. If you're concerned about sharing your personal Apple ID credentials with our team, create a dedicated Apple ID at account.apple.com specifically for your app.
Will choosing "Individual" affect my app's name in the App Store?
No. Your app's display name in the App Store is set separately and can be your business name, team name, or brand — regardless of whether you enroll as an Individual or Organization. The only thing that changes is the "developer name" shown beneath your app listing.
What is a D-U-N-S Number and do I need one?
A D-U-N-S Number is a unique business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It's only required if you're enrolling as an Organization. If you're enrolling as an Individual / Sole Proprietor, you don't need one. If you do need one and don't have it yet, it can take 7–30 business days to receive depending on whether you pay for the rush option.
What happens if I don't sign the periodic Apple agreements?
Your app won't receive updates. Over time, this can lead to performance issues, incompatibility with newer operating systems, or the app being phased out entirely. Signing these agreements when requested is essential to keeping your app live.
Where can I get more help from Apple?
Visit Apple's official developer support page at developer.apple.com for detailed enrollment guidance and troubleshooting.

Prepared by your Luxury Presence team · Questions? Reach out to your Onboarding Manager