How to choose the type of Apple account I need?

What account types are there?

Specifically in relation to developing and/or distributing apps, Apple offers the possibility to create three main type of accounts based on two main factors:

1) Is the account registered to an individual or organization?

2) Are the apps going to be distributed publicly or internally?

The following types of accounts could be created:

1. Individual account enrolled into the Apple Developer Program

• This is a public account which allows the distribution of apps on the App Store.
• Apps are distributed on the App Store under the developer's personal name.
• Further access to individual accounts cannot be provided. Only the Account Holder can access the account.

2. Organizational account enrolled into the Apple Developer Program

• Apps are distributed on the App Store under the organization's legal entity name.
• Companies and educational institutions must provide a D-U-N-S Number (available for free) registered to their legal entity during the enrollment process.
• Further access to the account can be provided to third parties.
• More information here.

3. Organizational account enrolled into the Apple Developer Enterprise Program

• Only for proprietary in-house apps designed for and distributed exclusively to your organization’s employees.
• Apps will not be distributed publicly on the App Store.
• Companies and educational institutions must provide a D-U-N-S Number (available for free) registered to their legal entity during the enrollment process.
• Further access to the account can be provided to third parties.
• More information here.

How do I decide which account I need?

You can easily decide by answering the below questions:

1) Are you aiming to distribute apps under your own name or your company's name?

• My Name -> Individual account
• My Company's name -> Organizational account

2) Do you have the legal authority to bind your company to Apple's developer agreement?

• Yes -> Organizational account
• No -> Organizational account but you need to either 1) get written permission for enrolling your company in the Program or 2) delegate the enrolment process to another person with the respective legal authority.

3) Are you aiming to distribute your apps to the wide public or only to internal stakeholders and company's employees?

• The app should be publicly available -> Organizational account enrolled into the Apple Developer Program
• The app should be distributed to employees only -> Organizational account enrolled into the Apple Developer Enterprise Program

Is there a fee for creating an Apple developer account?

Yes, there is. The fees are as follows:

• For enrolling into the Apple Developer Program - 99 USD / per year
• For enrolling into the Apple Developer Enterprise Program - 299 USD / per year

Additional Resources

• The full list of Apple's Programs can be found here.
• Eligibility criteria for Apple Developer Enterprise Program can be found here.
• Eligibility criteria for Apple Developer Program can be found here.
• When it comes to device management in MDM environments, the latest Apple solution is the Apple Business Manager.