Apple recently made an announcement that its Developer Program no longer requires an annual fee of $99. This change, effective immediately, makes it simpler for developers to test and build apps for Apple devices.
Before, Apple required developers to join its Developer Program in order to test and submit apps on Apple devices for submission into the App Store – with its associated $99 fee serving as a barrier of entry for many emerging developers.
Developers will now have free access to testing and developing apps for Apple devices. While submitting apps to the App Store still incurs a $99 submission fee, for those accepted into Apple Developer Program it will be waived for one year.
Apple’s decision is an encouraging development for developers who have long petitioned Apple to make app development simpler and accessible to a broader range of developers. It shows Apple is committed to making its platform more welcoming for everyone interested in app creation.
Apple recently unveiled several other changes to its developer program that go beyond changing subscription rates for Developer Program membership, such as:
- New App Store Connect portal that makes it simpler for developers to manage and submit apps to the App Store, along with Swift Playgrounds app that makes learning to code simpler for kids and beginners.
- Swift Student Challenge provides students with an exciting new opportunity to showcase their Swift programming expertise and win prizes!
The changes to Apple Developer Program are great news for both developers and the App Store ecosystem. They make it easier for newcomers to jumpstart app development and bring their creations to market more swiftly.