Hi everyone,
I’m a photographer in mainland China, and I’ve spent several months developing an iOS tool to assist with film photography. I’m now unable to complete Apple Developer Program enrollment and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has resolved a similar situation through an official process.
During enrollment, I switched between my own iPhone and Mac. I mistakenly thought I could continue on another device because both belonged to me and I was using my own Apple Account. I now understand the same-device requirement and accept that I did not follow it correctly. The applicant and the identity documents were mine throughout.
After contacting support, I received an email saying my account had been updated and that I must continue on the device originally used for identity verification. The email also explained how to identify the correct device from the screens shown in the Developer app.
In a later call, support told me that the earlier account update had been a one-time exception and that another device change had been detected afterward. I was told that, under the current policy, I could no longer proceed with enrollment and that this was the final decision. The earlier email explained the device requirement, but did not say that this was the only exception or describe that consequence.
My membership payment was refunded. I understand that payment does not mean enrollment was approved, and the refund itself is not what I am disputing. The Developer app on my Mac now reports that my identity document could not be verified. On my iPhone, selecting “Enroll Now” produces an error directing me to contact support.
Apple’s identity verification guidance says that additional or alternative documentation may be required and that developers can contact support about verification outside the Developer app. I understand that this does not guarantee another review of a rejected application.
What I’m trying to find out is:
-
Has anyone resolved a similar device-related enrollment restriction for the same applicant and original Apple Account, particularly after an earlier exception had already been used?
-
Is there an official process for reviewing the original application or completing additional identity verification in this situation?
I have already contacted Developer Support several times. I’m willing to provide additional documents through an official secure channel and follow written instructions on one confirmed device. I’m not looking to bypass verification, use someone else’s identity, or obtain approval through a forum post.
This has been discouraging after months of work. I accept that I made a mistake with the enrollment process, but I’d like to find out whether there is a legitimate way to correct it and get back to developing the tool.
If you have first-hand experience, I would appreciate knowing what official process helped—not simply that creating another account happened to work.
I have kept the support correspondence and can provide case references through a verified Apple support channel. I have left account details and case numbers out of this public post.
Thank you.
Official identity verification guidance: https://developer.apple.com/help/account/membership/identity-verification/