Changing from an Individual Apple Developer Account to an Organization Account:
Organization Apple:
Organization Apple by Apple offers developers the ability to build, test, and distribute apps. The company offers a developer program called Apple Developer, which comes in two types of accounts: the Individual Developer Account and the Organization Developer Account. The Individual account is generally good for solo developers or hobbyists, but an Organization account is more suitable for teams or companies and educational institutions wanting to handle and manage multiple team members working on apps, collaborating on apps, and publishing their apps under a corporate or business name.
This post will show you how to transition from being an individual to an organization Apple Developer account, the advantages and reasons for the transition, and the steps to follow. We’ll also cover some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may come up during the process.
Why Upgrade from an Individual Developer Account to an Organization Account?
Organization Apple:
There are several reasons for a developer to change an Individual Apple Developer Account into an Organization account. The primary reasons include;
1. Team Collaboration:
An organization account allows you to invite multiple users to your developer account, which, in turn, will give you the possibility to give various roles and permissions to other team members. That is wonderful for collaborative projects, especially when dealing with larger teams, designers, testers, and marketing specialists.
2. Offer Apps Under a Business Name:
Organization Apple:
If you want to distribute apps under a business or organization name, rather than your name, then you’ll need an Organization account; this will allow your app to show up in the App Store as coming from the company rather than an individual.
3. Access to More Features:
An Organization account enables you to access a suite of tools and resources intended for larger teams. These include access to App Store Connect roles, distribution certificates, and enhanced app management features.
4. Control Over Account Management:
Organization Apple:
The Organization account provides for better control over the account, which includes adding, removing, and managing team members without transferring account ownership-features not available in an Individual account wherein the account owner has rights and access to all.
5. App Distribution for Businesses:
The Organization account is mandatory if you want to distribute apps within your organization. You can take advantage of Apple’s Enterprise Program to distribute proprietary apps inside your company.
Organization Account Requirements:
Organization Apple:
Before switching from an Individual account to an Organization account, here are some critical requirements to consider:
1. D-U-N-S Number:
A D-U-N-S Number is a nine-digit Data Universal Numbering System issued by Dun & Bradstreet to uniquely identify your business. You need this to have your organization established as a legitimate business in the books of Apple. A D-U-N-S number may take a few days, and up to several weeks, before being allocated. So, apply ahead of time, on the Dun & Bradstreet website.
2. Legal Entity:
Your organization must be a recognized legal entity in your country’s business registration system. It may include LLCs, corporations, or any other legally recognized structure. Apple must ensure that apps published under the organization’s name are legitimate and thus requires that your organization is a valid legal entity.
3. Two-Factor Authentication:
Organization Apple:
Apple requires that two-factor authentication is enabled for the Apple ID of the account manager. This guarantees security in the account and only the authorized personnel can access the account and make changes.
4. Apple ID:
You’ll need an Apple ID that is part of your organization’s account and is used to access resources such as the App Store Connect and Apple Developer portal. The Apple ID must be associated with the organization’s official email.
How to Change from an Individual to an Organization Account:
Organization Apple:
Changing your Apple Developer account from being an Individual to an Organization account is a straightforward process; however, it will require following several steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your D-U-N-S Number
Proceed with this application for an Organization account and make sure you have acquired a D-U-N-S number. The D-U-N-S number is required for the verification of your organization and its legal status. You can obtain a D-U-N-S number by applying online through the Dun & Bradstreet website, where you are expected to provide your business information – company name and address, contact, etc.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Organization Apple:
Make sure you qualify for an Organisation account:
Your business is a legitimate legal entity
Your business has a D-U-N-S number
You have an active Apple ID with two-factor authentication turned on
Step 3: Begin an Account Change Request
Organization Apple:
Apple doesn’t have the functionality built-in to the developer portal to change an individual account over to an organization account. You’ll need to submit a request to Apple Developer Support.
Go to the Apple Developer Support page.
Select Account under the options and choose Account and Enrollment.
Choose the option that best fits your situation (e.g., “Change from Individual to Organization”).
You’ll be required to provide your account details, including the D-U-N-S number for verification.
Then, the conversion process of your account into an Organization account commences. This conversion may take a few days since Apple needs to verify the information you have provided.
Step 4: Confirming Organization Details
After Apple reviews and verifies your organization details, they contact you to proceed with the change. Additional documents may be requested or your details confirmed.
Step 5: Setting up your Organization Account
Organization Apple:
Now that your account has been changed, you can begin to set up your Organization account. Here’s how it’s done:
Sign in to the Apple Developer portal with your Apple ID.
Click on the Developer Program and fill out the required information involving your organization.
You can now begin adding members to your organization and assign roles in the Apple Developer Program.
You can manage applications belonging to your organization, sign the certificates, and publish applications all under the banner of your organization.
Step 6: Manager Team Roles and Permissions
An organization account lets you have an organization for a team with roles. You can control access levels based on the role of every individual:
- Admin: Full control of everything.
- App Manager: Manage resources about the app and upload new builds.
- Developer: Able to upload code and manage test devices.
- Marketer: Able to manage app store listings as well as campaigns.
- Viewer: Read-only access to view app analytics and reports.
General FAQs Regarding Switching from Individual to Organization Apple Developer Account:
Organization Apple:
1. How long does it take to change my account?
It usually takes a few days or even weeks to change from an Individual account to an organizational one, as this might require going through some verification process or documentation. So, make sure to give enough time for the transition.
2. Can I change from an Organization back to an Individual account?
Once you have converted your account to the Organization account, you cannot revert. In this case, you would need to cancel the Organization account and then apply for the Individual account again. In some cases, you’d have to begin from scratch.
3. Can I transfer apps from the Individual account to the Organization account?
Yes, you can transfer all of your apps over from an Individual account to an Organization account. However, for this purpose, you must request help from the Apple Developer Support.
4. Do I need to buy another Developer Program subscription?
No, the yearly fee for membership in the Apple Developer Program is 99 U.S. dollars a year, both if you’re using an Individual or Organization account, but your organization will manage this subscription.
5. What happens to my existing app when I change accounts?
You will not lose your apps when you transition from an Individual to an Organization account. However, to publish them under your organization’s name you might have to re-upload the apps to the new account. App transfer can be carried out via App Store Connect with the support of Apple.
6. Can I change my Organisation name once it is set?
The name of your organization cannot change easily because it is always registered under the legal name of your company. You will need to update your D-U-N-S number and apply for a name change if you have to change the name of your business.
Conclusion:
Organization Apple:
It is often a practical move for developers who want to work with other people, manage larger portfolios of apps, or distribute apps under a company name: switching from an Individual to an Organization Apple Developer account. Follow the steps outlined below, and prepare all necessary documentation, and you will successfully transition to an Organization account and unlock the full potential of the Apple Developer Program for your team or business.