Apple Developer Program

When Apple released the first iOS 17 beta to developers, for the first time it gave non-developers the opportunity to download beta software updates on their iPhones for free. Keep reading to learn how it's done. In years past when Apple has announced a major new operating system update, the first wave of betas has officially only been available to download if you are a paying subscriber to A...

In iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, Apple has changed the way users opt-in to developer and public beta updates on iPhone and iPad. Keep reading to learn why the change was made and how to turn it on. Going forward, Apple is changing things up so that developers no longer need to install a profile from the Developer Center in order to get developer betas. Instead, users who are enrolled in...

Apple today released a new developer tool that is designed to force devices running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to prioritize a 5G connection over a WiFi connection when on an insecure WiFi network or when a WiFi connection is slow. 5G devices running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 can automatically prioritize connecting via 5G instead of WiFi when the performance of WiFi networks you visit occasionally is...

Apple today told developers that it is updating App Store pricing in some countries due to taxes and changes in foreign exchange rates. Over the course of the next few days, app and in-app purchase pricing is set to decrease in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and all territories that use the Euro currency. Pricing of auto-renewable subscriptions will not change. Apple is increasing...

Apple today began notifying developers that they're able to use the new Xcode Cloud service that was first introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. "We're pleased to let you know your account has been enabled for Xcode Cloud beta," reads the email sent out to developers. "You can now take advantage of continuous integration and delivery service built into Xcode 13." Xcode ...

Last fall, Apple changed its App Store rules around in-app purchases for realtime experiences, and the guidelines technically require apps that offer virtual events to more than a single person to use in-app purchases. Apple is not yet enforcing that rule, however, and has once again extended the timeline of when in-app purchases will need to be implemented. Apple has set the new deadline...

Apple today reminded developers that its App Tracking Transparency rules will be enforced starting with the launch of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5. When these updates are released, developers will need to get express permission to access the IDFA or advertising identifier on a device to track users across apps and websites for ad targeting purposes.Make sure your apps are ready for...

Ron Okamoto, who has been working as the App Store's developer relations head since 2001, has retired this year, reports Bloomberg. Okamoto was responsible for overseeing the ‌App Store‌ review process and policies, distributing tools to allow developers to build and sell apps, developer support, developer communications, developer awards, and he also handled the annual Worldwide Developers...

Apple last week sent out emails to developers who are in possession of a Developer Transition Kit, providing instructions on returning the test machines. Developers have now started mailing in their DTKs, with Apple rewarding the promised $500 USD credit once the DTK has been received. In appreciation of your participation in the Universal App Quick Start program and to help with your...

Apple today sent out emails to developers who are in possession of a Developer Transition Kit, asking them to return the machines by March 31. The Developer Transition Kits are Mac minis with A12Z chips that Apple provided for development purposes ahead of the release of the M1 Macs. Apple in the emails provided developers with shipping instructions, and plans to begin collecting the DTKs...

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating complaints from developers over Apple's "Sign in with Apple" option, reports The Information. Introduced in iOS 13, Sign in with Apple is a privacy-focused login option that lets users opt to sign in to an app with their Apple ID, without the need to create a username or share an email address with developers. Apple requires all App Store...

Apple today informed developers that "health pass" apps can only be submitted by developers that are working with recognized public health authorities. A "health pass" app is classified as an app that generates a pass that's used to enter buildings and access in-person services based on testing and vaccination records. Apple says that to make sure these apps are responsibly handling...

Apple today sent out email invitations to developers inviting them to join various events focused on specific iOS, iPadOS, and macOS features like widgets and App Clips. A widget-centric event called "Building Great Widget Experiences" is set to take place on February 1, 2021, and will provide developers with opportunities to learn new techniques for creating useful widgets for their apps.We'...

Users on the Apple Developer forums and Reddit are widely reporting that iOS 14.2 causes severe battery drain issues. Symptoms of the problem include rapid battery drain and longer charge times than usual. Some users are reporting that their devices are losing over 50 percent charge in less than 30 minutes, and seeing large drops of around five percent within minutes of normal use. The...

Apple yesterday quietly expanded its Family Sharing App Store functionality, adding a new App Store toggle that allows family members to share in-app subscriptions with one another. Apple today confirmed that the functionality has now rolled out and that it's also applicable to in-app purchases. In an update for developers, Apple says that it's now possible for them to enable Family Sharing...

Apple today reminded developers to submit privacy information for their apps using App Store Connect, with that info set to be used for a new privacy label feature that will be added to each ‌App Store‌ app. Apple announced the new privacy feature during WWDC, and it will see apps providing specific details on the information that is collected from users when an app is downloaded. Apple has...

Apple last week announced the launch of a new App Store Small Business Program that will see the company lowering its ‌App Store‌ fees for small business owners and independent developers. On January 1, 2021, all developers who earn less than $1 million from the ‌App Store‌ will pay a 15 percent commission to Apple instead of the standard 30 percent. Apple today shared a press release that...

Apple in September tweaked its App Store rules surrounding in-app purchase requirements for realtime experiences, and as a result, apps that offer virtual events for more than a single person must use in-app purchases. Apple was originally requiring apps to comply starting in December 2020, but the deadline has now been pushed out until June 30, 2021.As the world fights COVID-19, we...

Apple today informed developers that they can now take advantage of subscription codes, which can be provided to customers to allow them to sign up for subscriptions at a discounted price or for free for a specified duration. Developers are able to create unique, alphanumeric codes, which Apple says can be used to acquire, retain, and win back subscribers. Codes can be provided digitally,...

Apple today updated its App Store Connect app designed for developers, introducing a new icon that is a more complex version of the original simple blue and white "A" design. New icon on the right ‌App Store‌ Connect is used by developers for iOS app management. It provides info on app statuses, offers data on app performance and sales, and lets developers access and respond to reviews....

Apple today informed developers that it is making new App Store marketing tools available for use, providing developers with a simple way to create short links, embeddable code with app icon and product page, QR codes, and more. Take advantage of new marketing resources to promote your apps around the world. You can now generate short links or embeddable code that lead to your App Store...

After being announced earlier this year at WWDC, Apple has now released enhanced sandbox testing to developers. The feature will allow developers to test their in-app purchases for a wide range of scenarios, such as upgrades, downgrades, cancellations, introductory offers, and interrupted purchases. The Apple sandbox environment lets you test in-app purchases on devices using product...