Apple Developer Pathway

Start your path

Pathways are simple and easy-to-navigate collections of the videos, documentation, and resources you’ll need to start building great apps and games. And if you’re new to Apple platforms, you’re in the right place: This Apple Developer Pathway is geared toward beginners and will walk you through the process of starting your Apple developer journey.

Sign in to your Apple Account

If you’re new to development for Apple platforms, get started for free by signing in to your Apple Account on the Apple Developer website. After accepting the Apple Developer Agreement you can access:

• Xcode to code, develop, design, and test apps for Apple platforms.
• Prerelease Apple software to take advantage of the latest advancements in Apple platforms and test apps for compatibility.
• The Apple Developer Forums to connect with fellow developers and Apple experts to receive help on a wide variety of development topics.
• Feedback Assistant to report issues you encounter and request enhancements to APIs, tools, and services.

To receive announcements for the latest Apple events, news, and community updates, visit your account page and sign up under the "Email" section.

Get started with Swift Playgrounds, Xcode, Swift, and SwiftUI

Get to know the tools and programming language you’ll use to build your apps and games.

• Swift Playgrounds provides self guided lessons and walkthroughs that teach you the core concepts of coding and building apps on Mac — and iPad too. If you’re just getting started with coding, this is a great place to start.
• Xcode is Apple’s powerful, integrated development environment that lets you develop, test, and distribute apps. If you’re already familiar with app development, try Xcode.
• Swift is the programming language you’ll use to tell your Mac what you’d like your app or game to do.
• SwiftUI is the user interface framework included with Xcode that allows you to describe and manage how your app will be experienced.

Learn how you can leverage this powerful trio to create incredible apps or games of your own:

• Delve deeper on the Swift Pathway
• Get step-by-step guidance on the SwiftUI Pathway
• Get game-specific advice on the Games Pathway

Build a prototype

Get inspired with some warm-up exercises to spark your creativity. Using the tutorials below, draft and organize your ideas and concepts by building an app prototype and mock product page with Keynote.

Achieve the right look and feel

For customers, the aesthetic and navigation experience of an app can be just as important as the app’s purpose. Taking time to fine-tune the layout, flow, color scheme, icons, sounds, and more can have a major impact on how users react and relate to your content. Get familiar with the core principles of the app design process: define, prototype, test, validate, and iterate in the App Design Workbook.

• Explore further on the Design Pathway

Choose your business model

The right business model for your app balances your goals with your target market’s expectations. There are four main models: free, freemium, paid, and paymium. Choosing your business model before developing your app can inform your app design decisions for a cohesive user experience. Check out the links below to understand your options and decide which model best aligns with your desired app experience.

• Learn which model is best for your app

Get started with the Apple Developer Program

When you join the Apple Developer Program, you can reach customers around the world on Apple platforms. Membership also lets you access advanced app capabilities, extensive beta testing tools, a comprehensive set of development tools, and app analytics to help your app reach its highest potential.

In addition, program members get access to world-class Apple developer events and opportunities to participate in expert-led sessions, labs, consultations, code-level support from Apple engineers, and a host other benefits.

• Learn about membership options
• Join the Apple Developer Program
• Find out if you’re eligible for a fee waiver

Learn about signing certificates

During the course of developing your app, you’ll need different certificate types in different contexts:

• Development certificates are needed to run your app on devices and use app capabilities.
• Distribution certificates are required in order to distribute your app for testing and to upload it to App Store Connect. Additionally, a distribution certificate verifies your authenticity as a developer, so people can be confident that the content and services you provide haven’t been tampered with by someone else.

In most cases, both certificates can be generated automatically through Xcode. In unique cases, you may need to create and manage certificates manually.

Find out what provisioning profiles do

A provisioning profile contains a single App ID that matches one or more of your apps and a signing certificate, and authorizes your app to use certain app services. This helps assure users that you’re a known developer who’s developing, uploading, or distributing your app. You’ll need an App Store Connect provisioning profile signed with a distribution certificate if you plan to offer your app on the App Store or through an alternative marketplace in the European Union. You’ll also need a development provisioning profile if you plan to test your app on your own devices.

Provisioning profiles are automatically generated for you through Xcode, so you can focus on the creative process.

Introduce your app or game to customers

Ready to share your app with the world? Curious how subscriptions work or how to localize your content? The App Store makes it easy for over a billion customers on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Watch to discover and download your apps, games, and accompanying purchases.

• Get step-by-step guidance on the App Store distribution pathway

Go further

Creating apps and games is a limitless process. As new ideas, technologies, and software capabilities emerge, you may recognize ways your app or game could be even better. We’re here to provide support as you continue to learn, refine, and enhance the app experience for your customers, bringing new features and ideas to life.

Resources for students:

• Build apps. Build your future. Get inspired by award-winning developer stories and find out the tools — and motivation — behind their work.
• Apple Developer Academies Sharpen your development skills with a full, free curriculum for future professional developers at the Apple Developer Academies.