This guide answers common questions about managing iOS apps, Apple Developer accounts, and App Store Connect for business owners.
Apple Developer Program
What is the Apple Developer Program, and why do I need it?
The Apple Developer Program is where you:
- Enroll to get permission to publish apps on the App Store
- Manage your developer membership, organisation profile, and legal agreements
- Access developer tools, SDKs, documentation, testing resources, and iOS beta downloads
Membership Cost: $149 per year (AUD), paid directly to Apple
Requirement: An active Apple Developer membership is required to publish apps under your company name.
Who can accept agreements in Apple Developer?
- Only the Account Holder can accept agreements.
- Admins and other roles can view them, but cannot accept them.
Why is my Apple Developer payment failing?
- Make sure your card is valid and supports international payments
- Check that the billing address matches your bank records
- Try another card or contact Apple Support
How do I enable auto-renew for my membership?
- Go to your Apple ID > Subscriptions and turn on Auto-Renew
What happens if my membership expires?
- Your existing apps remain on the App Store
- But you cannot submit updates, publish new apps, or access certain services until you renew.
App Store Connect
What is App Store Connect?
App Store Connect is where you manage your apps after enrolling in the Apple Developer Program.
You can:
- Create and manage iOS/iPadOS apps
- Set up app descriptions, icons, screenshots, pricing, and availability
- Submit apps for review and manage TestFlight testing
- View analytics, sales, and download stats
- Manage team users, roles, and permissions
In short:
- Apple Developer is for account enrolment and membership.
- App Store Connect is for managing your apps.
What do the app statuses mean?
- Ready for Sale: Live on the App Store
- Removed from Sale: Hidden from the App Store
- Developer Removed from Sale: Manually removed by you
- Waiting for Review: Submitted, awaiting Apple’s approval
Free Apps Agreement
What is it?
The Free Apps Agreement lets you distribute free apps on the App Store.
- Required even if your app is free
- Does not need tax or banking info
- Still requires an active Apple Developer membership
What if I don’t renew it?
- App updates will be blocked
- Your app may be removed from sale
Paid Apps Agreement
What is it?
The Paid Apps Agreement is needed if you want to:
- Sell paid apps
- Offer in-app purchases or subscriptions
How to enable it:
- Go to App Store Connect > Agreements, Tax and Banking
- Request and accept the Paid Apps Agreement
- Add and verify your banking and tax information
Without this agreement:
- Your apps can only be free
- You can’t monetise your app in any way
Why can’t I renew?
- Your banking or tax details might need updating
- Only the Account Holder can renew agreements
App Updates & Management
How do I change my app’s age rating?
- Go to App Store Connect > App Information > Ratings
How do I remove an app from sale?
- Go to App Store Connect > Pricing and Availability
- Untick all countries
Can I delete an app completely?
- No. Apps can be removed from sale but not fully deleted from your account.
Agreement Renewal & “Action Required”
When will Apple ask me to renew or accept agreements?
Usually when:
- App Store policies change
- Legal or financial regulations are updated
- A new financial year begins
- New features are introduced that require updated terms
If you don’t accept in time:
- Apps may be removed from sale
- You can’t update or publish apps
- In-app purchases or subscriptions may stop working
✅ Key Reminders
- Only the Account Holder can accept agreements
- Always enable auto-renew on your developer membership
- Regularly check App Store Connect for pending actions
- Keep your banking and tax info up to date
By understanding these essentials, you can keep your iOS apps active and avoid disruptions to your Apple Developer account. If you require additional support please contact Apple Support or our application support team.