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Anyone who has considered developing software for an Apple platform has probably visited the Apple Developer website, which is packed with documentation, tutorials, tips, and everything an aspiring iOS, macOS, watchOS, or tvOS developer needs.
The sheer volume of content available on Apple's developer website can make it difficult to use. When you add to that a somewhat confusing boundary between the developer's website and the actual Apple Developer Program, things can get even more confusing.
There is a big difference between using the developer's website to learn the basics of creating software for Apple devices and being a member of the Apple Developer Program. This guide will clarify the distinctions.
What is the Apple Developer Program?
The Apple Developer Program is, in Apple's words, the “code to customer” channel. Membership in the Apple Developer Program gives developers everything they need to create, test, and deploy applications for their operating systems.
There are many things that come with Apple Developer Program membership, including:
- Access to beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS.
- The ability to publicly test beta apps on up to 10,000 users with TestFlight.
- Access to countless Apple app extensions, including CloudKit, Face ID, Touch ID, HealthKit, and WeatherKit.
- Code-level support that gives developers access to an Apple developer who can help them troubleshoot and optimize code.
- Access to the Apple Store Connect App Analytics program and other App Store management features.
- The ability to publish apps on the Apple App Store or, if you are in the EU, on an alternative app marketplace or website.
- A developer ID verified by Apple to generate the certificates and profiles needed to sign apps and unlock features.
Along with these benefits, which come with any standard membership in the Apple Developer Program, Apple also offers two other programs that are included in the Developer Program: the Enterprise Program and the MFi Program.
The Apple Developer Enterprise Program offers the benefits included in the standard Developer Program, but adds the ability for enterprise customers to develop proprietary applications in-house to deploy to employee devices.
The MFi program, or Made For iPod, iPhone and iPad, is for companies that want to create Apple-certified hardware accessories. Any third-party device that electronically connects to an Apple device using licensed MFi technology is considered by Apple to be included in the MFi Program; This does not include most devices that use the USB-C port or standard Bluetooth profiles and non-electronic devices.
Note: Companies or individuals do not need to enroll to manufacture a device included in the MFi program; However, products that are not MFi certified cannot claim to be Apple certified nor will they have access to the technical specifications necessary to build a fully compatible peripheral device.
Should Apple software developers join the Developer Program?
Strictly speaking, developers who want to create apps for macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, or visionOS do not have to become members of the Apple Developer Program. However, not opting for a membership comes with many restrictions.
The Apple Developer Program benefits listed above are prohibited for non-member developers. Most importantly, it means that non-members cannot distribute or monetize their apps on the App Store.
According to an Apple Developer Program representative, non-members who sign up for Apple's developer website get access to Xcode, Apple's development platform, and not much else; Even an app created by a non-member is restricted to devices linked to its developer's Apple ID.
SEE: Hiring kit: iOS developer (TechRepublic Premium)
If you're new to Apple development or just interested in learning how to develop for Apple devices, you don't need to join the Developer Program. You can still create apps for all Apple operating systems and install them on your personal devices, but that's it: no extensions, no support, no beta versions of the operating system, and no App Store.
Enterprise customers who want to deploy internal apps on their employees' Apple devices are also stuck: there's nothing they can do without purchasing an Enterprise membership.
How much does the Apple Developer Program cost?
Here's the unfortunate part: joining the Apple Developer Program isn't cheap.
An individual membership will cost you $99 USD per year, which is a steep price to pay if you're not sure you'll be able to recoup that investment, which would largely come in the form of in-app purchases. Developers keep 70% of sales revenue unless they are enrolled in the App Store small business program, which allows them to keep 85%.
Business Program membership is billed per organization and costs $299 USD per year.
It costs $99 USD to join Apple's MFi Program, but Apple will also claim royalties for each MFi device sold. Apple's MFi FAQ documentation indicates that royalties associated with MFi accessories are covered by an NDA and are only available after an MFi license application has been approved.
TechRepublic reached out to Apple for more information on pricing associated with the Apple MFi program and received this response:
All publicly available information about the MFi Program is available on our website: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide further details about the MFi Program beyond those provided on the website.
How do I join the Apple Developer Program?
The Apple Developer Program is open to developers around the world. Developers who want to pay the $99 USD fee for Developer Program membership can begin the process here.
Enterprise customers interested in deploying internal applications can begin the Enterprise Program enrollment process here.
Hardware manufacturers can begin the MFi registration process here.
Those who want to simply experiment with creating software for Apple devices can sign up for access to Apple's developer website for free with an Apple ID, which grants access to Xcode.
Editor's note: This article was updated by Fiona Jackson.
