Maintaining your Apple Developer account and ensuring that you adhere to the latest terms and conditions is essential for any app developer. As Apple periodically updates its developer and app agreements, it's crucial to regularly review and accept these updates to ensure the smooth operation and distribution of your apps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of reviewing and updating these agreements.
Note that only the profile of the Apple account owner can review and accept these agreements. Apple won't authorize us to accept these agreements on your behalf.
If there's an updated version of the agreements awaiting review, our ability to work on your apps—including submitting for review, updating, or uploading a new version—becomes restricted until the necessary agreements are accepted.
There are 2 types of agreements: Free Apps (Developer agreements, applied to ALL apps) and Paid App agreements (applied to apps with In-App purchases/subscriptions)
Additionally, your Apple Developer account needs to be renewed every year, and if you have not setup auto-renewal the account may expire and your app will be hidden in the App Store until you renew.
1. Apple Developer Agreement
Sign in to your Apple Developer account:
Start by visiting the Apple Developer Program website.
Click on 'Account' in the top right corner and log in using your Apple ID credentials.
Navigate to the Business section:
Once you're in your account dashboard, locate your business listed below, and then the "Agreements" tab.
Review the Agreement:
Any new or updated agreements will be marked with a blue indicator or will be listed under "Request Agreements."
Click on the respective agreement and carefully review the document.
Accept the Agreement:
After reviewing, you'll see an 'Accept' button at the bottom of the agreement. Click it.
A legal authority from your organization may need to accept the agreement. Ensure that the right person accepts it if you're not the sole proprietor or legal authority for the developer account.
2. Paid App Agreement on App Store Connect
Sign in to App Store Connect:
Visit App Store Connect and sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
Navigate to the Business section:
Once you're in your account dashboard, locate your business listed below, and then the "Agreements" tab.
Review the Agreement:
Similar to the developer account, any updated agreements will have an indicator or be listed separately. Click on the agreement to review its content.
Accept the Agreement:
After going through the agreement, click on the 'Accept' button to confirm your agreement to the terms.
Ensure all details are updated:
It's not just about accepting agreements; sometimes, you might need to update your banking or tax information. Ensure all this information is current to prevent any payment or app distribution issues. You will know this is completed when both lines on this page have a green dot and read as 'Active.'
Renewal
Apple will send instructions to the Apple developer account owner when it comes time to renew. Please follow their instructions for renewal. Uscreen is unable to renew your account for you.
Tips
Notifications: Usually, Apple sends notifications about changes or updates to their agreements. Keep an eye on your registered email address for such notifications.
Regular checks: Even if you don’t receive an email, it’s good practice to periodically check the "Agreements, Tax, and Banking" section of both the Apple Developer Program website and App Store Connect for any new agreements or updates.
Stay updated: For more details and the most recent updates, always refer to the official Apple Developer documentation and support resources.
In conclusion, staying compliant with Apple's latest agreements ensures that your apps remain available on the App Store without any interruptions. It also solidifies trust with your user base, showing that you are committed to adhering to the best practices laid out by Apple.