Steps to Set up an Apple Developer Account:
You will need:
-Apple ID Account with Two-factor Authentication
-Apple Device: iPhone/iPad/Mac (borrow one or buy a refurbished device)
Required Account Type: Organization
To ensure your Members receive seamless app updates and a professional experience, Uscreen requires you to enroll in the Apple Developer Program as an Organization.
🛑 Warning: Individual developer accounts are not supported. Enrolling as an Individual will delay your app launch, as you will be required to convert your account to an Organization before Uscreen can proceed.
By enrolling as an Organization, your company or brand name will appear below the app name in the App Store. This account type allows you to securely share Developer Resources and add Team Members (like Uscreen) with specific permissions, without ever sharing your personal login credentials.
To enroll as an Organization, you need:
A Website: Must be publicly available, and the domain name must reflect your company.
Legal Entity Status: Your company must be a legally registered entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation) to enter into contracts.
Legal Entity Name: Your official company name must correspond exactly with your Tax ID.
Legal Binding Authority: The person enrolling must have the legal authority to sign agreements on behalf of the organization.
D-U-N-S Number: A unique nine-digit identifier required by Apple to verify your legal entity status. Details here
Section 1: Enroll in Apple Developer Program
1: Create Account (free): Apple Developer >click Account >Sign-In using Apple ID.
2: Enroll ($99/yr): Click Join Apple Developer Program >Enroll >Start Enrollment.
3: Select Entity Type:
Choose Organization. Enter your company information and submit the application. (Note: You may be prompted to sign the agreement and purchase your membership immediately, or you may need to wait until after Apple verifies your application).
4: Wait for Approval: Apple verifies, then sends an email letting you know:
Enrollment is Approved; Additional Information is Needed; Issues Identified.
5: After Approved: Login to Apple Developer, then go to App Store Connect.
Section 2: Give Uscreen Access- Add New User
Log in to App Store Connect.
Navigate to Users & Access.
Click the Add (+) button.
Enter the following information:
Name: Uscreen Apps
Email: ottapps3@uscreen.tv
Role: Admin (enables access to Developer Resources)
Additional resources: Check all boxes (certificates, reports, apps).
Click Invite.
Section 3: Set-Up Payment
***Required if offering an In-App Subscription***
1: Sign Paid Apps Agreement: Agreements, Tax & Banking
Below Action, click View Terms, then Add.
Check to accept, then Submit. Status changes to Pending User Information.
Complete the Action indicated:
2: Add Information: Click Set up Tax, Banking, & Contacts
Add Banking:
-Under Accounts, click Add Bank Account.
-Enter bank and account information, then click Add.
Add Tax:
Everyone is required to complete the US Tax Forms section. This is where you indicate if you are a U.S. Resident/Company or not.
-Under Tax Forms, click Complete US Tax Forms.
-Check YES (located in the U.S.) or NO (located outside the U.S.).
-Additional questions and forms needed are based on your response.
Add Contacts:
You'll add a user for each Role (Management, Financial, Legal, Technical, Marketing). You can add one contact (and use for all roles) or multiple contacts.
-Add New Contact: Click Role, enter name, title, email, phone, then Add.
-Choose Existing Contact: Click Role, select user, then Add.
3: When complete, Paid Apps will change to Active.
To proceed with app development, Free & Paid Apps must be green.
Additional Notes:
-Once the Paid Apps Agreement is requested, you must complete the process.
-Tax Forms must be complete for Banking Information to be processed.
-For more information: App Store Connect Help
Section 4: Access the DSA Compliance Section
From the main dashboard, click on the Business tab (also present at the top menu).
In the Agreements section, you’ll see a notice prompting you to comply with the DSA requirements.
The notification reads: “To submit new content to the App Store, Apple Books, or Apple Podcasts, you need to let us know whether or not you’re a trader.”Click Complete Compliance Requirements to begin.
Step 3: Determine Your Trader Status
A pop-up window titled Digital Services Act Compliance will appear.
You must select your status:
I'm a trader under the DSA
Choose this if you distribute apps in the EU as a trader.Proceed to provide contact details that will be displayed publicly on your app’s product page in the EU.
By default, we'll set your apps to be distributed in all regions (including the EU). If you really don't want to showcase your apps on any EU marketplace, feel free to select the other option (below).
I'm not a trader under the DSA or I don’t plan to distribute in the EU
(Select this if you don’t distribute apps in the EU or are not considered a trader.)
Click Next to proceed.
Step 4: Provide Trader Contact Information
If you select I'm a trader under the DSA:
Fill in the Contact Information Verification form:
Address 1, Address 2, Address 3: Your company’s physical address.
City, State/Province, and Postal Code: Relevant location details.
Country or Region: Select your country.
Country Calling Code and Contact Phone Number: Provide a valid phone number.
Contact Email Address: Provide an email address for public display.
Review all entered information for accuracy, as it will appear publicly on your App Store product page in the EU.
Click Next to submit.
Step 5: Confirmation
Once submitted:
Apple will review the provided information for verification.
You’ll receive a confirmation email or notification once the process is complete.
Tips for Compliance
Verify Trader Status: Ensure that you understand whether you qualify as a trader. Refer to Apple’s guidelines for clarification.
Keep Contact Information Updated: Publicly displayed details must be accurate to comply with EU regulations.
Complete by Deadline: Submit the required information on time, to avoid disruption of services in the EU.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to comply with DSA requirements by the deadline may result in:
Remove your app subscriptions and apps from the App Store in EU countries.
Restricted ability to update or submit apps for review.
Making Sure Your Account Is Always In Compliance
Developer Membership
Unlike the other platforms, Apple requires an annual fee to maintain your developer account and keep your apps live in the store; if the account is not renewed, your apps are removed from the store and it may impact your existing subscribers over time.
We encourage you to enroll in auto-renewal or set a calendar reminder to keep the account in good standing.
Agreements and New Compliance Notices
Throughout the year, Apple adds new terms to their agreements and they will need to be regularly checked and renewed. Before you submit your new app request form or request an update, we encourage you to review your agreements as described in this guide.
Additionally, Apple will occasionally release new terms and compliance measures not listed in this guide based on changes in local regulations. When you visit your Business page in the developer account, make sure there are no outstanding action items for you (often found in a yellow box with a ⚠️ icon)