Hi everyone,
I need help because I'm currently in a dead end: I cannot even start the enrollment process for the Apple Developer Program, and I've been stuck like this for 45+ days.
Current Status: Completely Blocked
When I open the Apple Developer app on my iPhone or Mac, the "Enroll Now" button is either missing or shows this message:
"Enrollment through the Apple Developer app is not available for this Apple Account. Visit developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/"
When I follow that link and try to enroll via the website, I hit another wall: the only payment option offered is credit card.
My payment situation:
- I fund my Apple Account balance (this works perfectly for iCloud+, App Store purchases, subscriptions, etc.)
- I have sufficient funds in my Apple Account balance specifically for the Developer Program membership
- However, Apple Account balance is not accepted as a payment method for Developer Program enrollment on the web
- And the app won't even let me reach the payment step
Result: I have no working pathway to enroll. App = disabled. Web = doesn't accept my Apple Account balance.
How I Got Here
- Initially, the "Enroll" button in the app was active, but at the payment step I received "Unknown Error. Please try again."
- Apple Support reset my enrollment status to allow app-based enrollment (Case #102843620484).
- After multiple attempts (and a failed web enrollment attempt due to payment method), the app now shows the "not available for this Apple Account" message.
- I've submitted all requested documentation: screen recording, SEID, device info (iPhone 15 Pro, MacBook Air M1), government ID.
- Case escalated to senior advisor - only generic "we're still reviewing" responses for weeks.
My Situation
- Region: Russia
- Apple ID: Personal account (long-standing, verified)
- Payment method: Apple Account balance (funded via mobile carrier) — works for all consumer Apple services
- Goal: Enroll as an individual developer to publish personal apps
Questions
- Has anyone seen the message "Enrollment through the Apple Developer app is not available for this Apple Account" after a failed enrollment attempt? Is this a permanent block or a temporary glitch?
- Is there a way to reset or restore the "Enroll" button in the app without creating a new Apple ID?
- Is Apple Account balance officially supported for Developer Program enrollment in any region? If yes, how can it be enabled for my account?
- If Apple Account balance is unsupported: what legitimate alternatives exist for developers in Russia who don't have access to international credit cards?
- Has Apple Support ever resolved this specific combination of issues (app disabled + payment method restriction)?
What I'm NOT Looking For
- "Just use a credit card" (not available to me)
- Workarounds that violate Apple's terms or regional policies
- Advice to create a new Apple ID (I need to use my primary, verified account)
I'm committed to joining the program legally - I just need a working path to do so. Any insights, similar experiences, or official guidance would be incredibly helpful.
Thank you in advance.
— Sergey
Case ID: #102843620484 (for reference)
