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iOS Apps: Creating an Apple Developer Account

Tim
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Boppl can provide you with a branded version of the Boppl mobile application; one designed specifically for your brand or venue, to showcase your brand's style/flavour. 

In order to make these apps available publicly you will need to create an Apple Developer account. Don't worry, Boppl will still take care of all the technical processes like releasing and updating your app! We'll just need your help initially in creating the account that the app will be released/deployed with.

Why do I need my own Apple Developer account?

Boppl will design and develop the app for you, but Apple requires that you, as a business owner, create your own Apple Developer account and enrol into the Apple Developer program to have your own app hosted.

For more information on this you can check Apple's Developer Guidelines and see section 4.2.6

What is the process?

Further detail is outlined in the instructions below, but at a high level the process is as follows: 

🔲 1. Apply for a DUNS Number if you do not have one already (14+ day processing time)
🔲 2. Create an Apple ID (existing ID can be used, but we suggest using a new one for this)
🔲 3. Enrol in the Apple Developer Program using your Apple ID
🔲 4. Add Boppl as a team member on your Apple Developer Team
🔲 5. Notify Boppl of completion, and confirm the business name on your developer account

Step 1: Obtaining a DUNS Number

This will be required when enrolling in the Developer Program. 

The D-U-N-S Numbering system is a widely recognised standard for identifying businesses among thousands of companies, marketplaces and regulatory entities. Companies worldwide use the D-U-N-S Number to link information about suppliers, customers and trading partners, providing a more complete picture of the risk and opportunity in their business relationships.

Australian companies: 

  • If your business is ASIC registered you will have a DUNS number; look it up HERE
  • If you do not have a DUNS number, you can request one HERE
    • Requesting a DUNS number is free, but will take a few business days
    • There is also 14 day waiting period after being granted a DUNS number

Companies in other countries:

  • DUNS Number applications are managed by each country individually
  • Go HERE and select the country your business is listed in
  • On the website you are taken to, select the option to apply for / obtain a DUNS number

Step 2: Creating an Apple ID

Note: You may use an existing Apple ID if you have one and skip this step. Boppl recommends creating a separate Apple ID for this, unless you already have a Apple ID enrolled into the Apple Developer Program

Creating an account is very easy. You just need to follow a few steps:

1. Go to https://developer.apple.com/
2. Click Account in the top right corner
3. Click Create Apple ID
4. You'll be asked to fill out the following information:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Country
  • Date of Birth
  • Password
  • 3 Security Questions

5. Do not check to receive marketing messages (unless you'd like to)
6. Complete the CAPTCHA
7. You will be emailed a verification code
8. Once you receive your code enter the code into the code into the pop up box requiring it

Step 3: Enrolling in the Developer Program

Note: If you had an existing Apple ID that has already been enrolled into the Apple Developer Program then you can skip this step.

After you've created your Apple ID you need to enroll into the developer program by going through the following steps:

1. Go to https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/
2. Click Start Enrollment at the bottom of the page.
3. For the I Develop Apps As question select Company / Organization

Note: Enrolling as an individual will not allow you to invite others as a developer team member - you must enrol as a company / organization (more info below)

4. Fill out the requested company information accurately
5. When asked for a DUNS number, enter your DUNS number
6. Enter the CAPTCHA and submit
7. Complete $99 payment for the developer license
8. Now you're enrolled into the developer program

My existing account is for an Individual or Single Person Business

If you enrolled your Apple ID into the developer program as an individual or single person business then you'll be required to request a change from Apple directly. Apple does not allow team member invites for personal accounts. Boppl needs to be added as a team member in order to maintain and service your app. 

In addition to this, it's possible Apple could reject your app submission, as the app is submitted under the company's name and this may be viewed as an individual submitting an app on behalf of a company.

Here is a link to Apple's support page explaining how to switch account types. See "Can I switch my membership from an individual to an organization?" near the bottom

Step 4: Adding Boppl to your Developer Team

In order for Boppl to submit an app on your behalf, we will need to be added as an admin to your developer team. Apple has made this very easy!

There's two steps for this. Invite Boppl to the developer account, and then invite Boppl to iTunes Connect.

Invite as Developer Team Member

1. Sign in to https://developer.apple.com (click account in the top corner)
2. On the right side, select people
3. Select invite people using the middle button
4. Invite the email address support@boppl.me 
5. This will send an email to Boppl for our team to accept the invite and start the process
6. IMPORTANT: Set the team member status to Admin. If Boppl's Apple Developer account on your team is "Member" rather than "Admin", we cannot submit your app, and the release will be delayed.

Invite to iTunes Connect

1. Sign in to https://developer.apple.com (click account in the top corner)
2. On the right side, select App Store Connect
3. You may need to click to go to iTunes connect - if not you will be navigated to iTunes connect
4. Select Users and Roles
5. Select + next to Users in the left hand side.
6. Enter the following details:

7. Click Next
8. IMPORTANT: Select/check Admin under Roles and click Next. If Boppl's Apple Developer account on your team is "Member" rather than "Admin", we cannot submit your app, and the release will be delayed.
9. Under App Status Reports change the option to All Territories (this is so Boppl can be notified of the app's status, approval, and if Apple has any comments during the review process)
10. Click Save to send the invite for Boppl to accept

Step 5: Notify Boppl

IMPORTANT -- Please email support@boppl.me with the name of the business you're operating your developer account with. If you do not do this it may delay your app submission because our team will not know which account to upload the application for.

Additional Questions?

As always, if you have any additional questions that isn't covered in this guide do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to help.

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