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)

Account Types: Individual & Organization

Apple requires you to enroll based on the type of business you own.
Use your Business Registration to help determine how to enroll.
Enrolling in the wrong Account Type will delay your apps.
- If needed, you can convert from an Individual developer account to an Organization by contacting Apple with your business and tax information (more information found here)

>Sole Proprietorship, Single-Person Company: Enroll as INDIVIDUAL

>Corporation; Partnership; Limited Liability Company: Enroll as ORGANIZATION

1: Individual: One Person/One User

Your name will appear below the app name in the App Store.
You cannot share Developer Resources with other users.
You cannot add Members/Users. It's like sharing access to a personal account.
You'll share your Apple ID Account Login Credentials with Uscreen. For this reason, we highly recommend you create a new Apple ID for this purpose and do not create an account using your personal, primary Apple ID.
You cannot use an individual account if your app's content is about finances, healthcare, or other highly regulated fields, per Apple guidelines unless the content could be categorized as largely educational. So plan to set up an organizational account for apps with this type of content.

2: Organization: Multiple Users/Team Members

Your company/brand will appear below the app name in the App Store.
You can share Developer Resources (allows us to create, upload, and publish apps)
You can add Team Members (ex. Uscreen) by inviting users to join the account.
Each member uses their login and limited access to your information.
An organization account is required for apps with content about finances, healthcare, or other highly regulated fields, per Apple guidelines.

To enroll as an Organization you need:
-Website: Publicly available; domain name must be related to your company
-Legal Entity Status: To enter into contracts, the company must be a legal entity
-Legal Entity Name: Company name must correspond with the Tax ID
-Legal Binding Authority: The person enrolling must have the authority to sign agreements
-DUNS Number: Used to check legal entity status; it's easy to apply; 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:

-Individual: Accept the Agreement, then Purchase Membership. Enrollment complete.

-Organization: Enter Company Information, then Submit application.

(May be prompted to sign the agreement/purchase membership now or after approval.)

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

-App Store Connect >Users & Access >Add (+) >Enter Information >Invite.

Name: Uscreen Apps

Email: ottapps3@uscreen.tv

Role: Admin (enables access to Resources)

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)