The headline number is easy. The rest of the bill is where people get surprised. Here is what Apple actually charges developers in 2026 — and the costs that never make the headline.
The two programs
| Program | Fee | For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Developer Program | $99 / year | Individuals and companies publishing on the App Store |
| Apple Developer Enterprise Program | $299 / year | Large orgs distributing internal-only apps, never on the App Store |
The single most common myth: that companies pay $299. They do not. A company publishing to the public App Store pays the same $99 as anyone else. The $299 program is a different product for internal distribution only.
The $99 buys you
- App Store distribution across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS.
- App Store Connect and TestFlight.
- Signing certificates and provisioning.
- Advanced capabilities and beta OS access.
The costs nobody warns you about
- A Mac. Xcode is macOS-only — usually the biggest line item.
- Commission. 30% on paid apps and in-app purchases, dropping to 15% for most small developers under the Small Business Program.
- Renewal. Miss it and your apps drop from the store until you pay again.
- Time. Enrollment verification, and for companies a D-U-N-S number, can eat days or weeks.
Fee waivers
Nonprofits, accredited schools and government entities publishing free apps can apply for a fee waiver. If that is you, apply before paying.
Why ready-made accounts cost more than $99
When you see a verified account priced well above $99, the gap is the enrollment you are skipping — verification, D-U-N-S, 2FA setup, and the risk of rejection. If speed matters, you can buy a verified Apple Developer account (Personal $350, Company $850, Combo $1,150).
FAQ
Is the fee one-time?
No — it is an annual membership.
Do companies pay $299?
No, $99 for App Store publishing. $299 is Enterprise (internal-only).
Next: choose the right account type, or buy an iOS Developer account and skip the wait.