Switching to the Apple Developer Program
The Apple Developer Enterprise Program is for specific use cases that require private distribution directly to employees using secure internal systems or through a Mobile Device Management solution. To ensure that this program is the right fit for all of its members, Account Holders will be asked for details about their organization, software, and methods of distribution as their membership expiration date approaches. If your organization is no longer eligible for the program or if you decide that the program isn’t right for you, you can become a member of the Apple Developer Program to continue privately distributing your apps.
Distribution methods
As a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can privately distribute apps in the following ways:
- Apple Business ManagerDistribute apps in volume to specific businesses.
- Apple School ManagerDistribute apps in volume to specific educational institutions. Choose to provide a discount.
- Ad hoc distributionRun apps on devices with ad hoc provisioning profiles.
- Unlisted app distributionDistribute apps on the App Store to specific entities.
- TestFlightProvide beta app versions for up to 10,000 testers and collect feedback.
How to switch memberships
Enroll: We recommend enrolling in the Apple Developer Program well before your membership expires to allow time to set up your software and distribution through new systems, which may include app review. Please note that you’ll need to enroll using a different Apple Account than the one used for your Apple Developer Enterprise Program membership. Learn how to enroll as an organization.
Decline renewal: The Account Holder should click “Decline renewal” on the renewal banner that appears in their Apple Developer account. Alternatively, if the Account Holder doesn’t submit the information necessary for renewal, your membership in the Apple Developer Enterprise Program will automatically end on your membership expiration date. Your software will continue to run for 90 days after expiration.
Managing existing apps
Once you’re a member of the Apple Developer Program, create a new bundle identifier for your app, republish, and submit to App Review using App Store Connect. During this process, you’ll be able to set your app’s availability to Private and specify the organizations who can download your app.
Bundle identifiers
You’ll need to re-identify your app with a unique bundle identifier, as the same bundle identifier can’t be used in two different developer programs.
Entitlements
Entitlements, such as critical alerts or CarPlay, are associated with developer accounts. If you were granted entitlements as a member of the Apple Developer Enterprise Program, request these entitlements again as an Apple Developer Program member.
App Review
Because apps can be distributed to external organizations under the Apple Developer Program, they must follow the App Review Guidelines to ensure a safe experience for all users. Learn how to prepare for review and avoid common rejections. Most apps are reviewed within 24 to 48 hours. However, if you have a critical update, you can request an expedited review.
User migration
Currently, there are no migration paths for the app binary, app identifiers, app entitlements, or app sandbox data when moving an app from the Apple Developer Enterprise Program to the Apple Developer Program. This means you’ll need to rebuild, republish, and redeploy the existing app as a new custom app. Your users will experience this as a new app installation and will be required to sign in, set up, and download local app data as if it were a brand new app.