iOS Developer Program - Can test the apps on max 100 devices only. Distribute apps to AppStore. iOS Enterprise Program - Can distribute apps only within enterprise not to App Store. No limit on number of devices you can distribute your apps to. Can restrict access where member can request developer certificate, admins approve it. Cannot distribute apps via AppStore.
If you have a mobile app that needs to be submitted to the Apple Store, it's important to make some decisions beforehand. Choosing the right developer account with Apple is critical, but it's not as daunting as it may seem. Below, we have outlined the difference between the two available options, their intended use, and why you may choose one over the other.
Your Options:
Apple offers two types of accounts - the Apple Developer Program and the Apple Developer Enterprise Program. Which one you should choose for your application depends on your needs.
Apple Developer Program:
Choose this license if you plan to submit your app to the Apple app store for public download and use.
iOS Developer Program - Can test the apps on max 100 devices only. Distribute apps to AppStore.
Apple Developer Enterprise Program:
iOS Enterprise Program - Can distribute apps only within enterprise not to App Store. No limit on number of devices you can distribute your apps to. Can restrict access where member can request developer certificate, admins approve it. Cannot distribute apps via AppStore.
Simply put, this program enables enterprises to develop and distribute proprietary iOS apps throughout the company, outside of the App Store. Choose this license if you don't plan to submit your app to the Apple app store and need to limit downloads to internal employees only.
Pricing:
As of March 1, 2020, the annual fee for the Apple Developer Program is 99 USD, and the annual fee for the Apple Developer Enterprise Program is 299 USD (local currency prices may vary by region and are listed during enrollment).
For up-to-date pricing and billing information, please visit:https://developer.apple.com/support/purchase-activation/
The Enterprise Account is designed for companies that want to limit app distribution to their employees. Enterprise applications can be downloaded from a website, through Mobile Device Management (MDM), or from AppCenter.
Pros:
Devices do not need to be provisioned for installation access, meaning users' devices do not have to be registered and associated with a build before installing the application.Apps are not subjected to Apple's review process.
As apps do not need to be set up in the Apple app store, there is no need to provide a full app description, create images to promote the app, or create public privacy policies, etc.
In-app purchases are not subject to Apple's processing fee.Apps will not be indexed by Google and cannot be found via standard search engines.
Cons:
Users will need to reinstall the app once a year before the profile expires (unless an MDM solution is used).Users will need to manually trust the developer license on their device rather than it being automatically trusted since the app was not downloaded from the official app store.
This process involves the user navigating to Settings > General > Profiles and Device Management in order to trust the new application.
Higher yearly cost ($299/yr as of 3/1/2020)The Developer Account is intended for developers or companies who want to distribute their app via the App Store to the public or employees. Builds released during the development process are still installed via AppCenter.
Pros:
The app is available to the public.Development builds can be made available to 100 of each device type, which is useful for employee reviews and user testing.
Applications can be downloaded from the official app store.Searching for the application on Google will direct users to the app store.Lower yearly cost ($99/yr).
Cons:
During development, individual devices need to be provisioned for installation access, meaning each device would need to be registered and associated with the build before it can be installed during the development process.Public access and awareness can be a drawback for internal applications where you may not want competitors to see your app's capabilities.
In-app purchases must go through Apple's payment center and are subject to a 30% fee.
If you're still unsure which account type is best for your mobile application, please feel free to contact us using the form below, and we will be happy to help guide you in the right direction!