GuideFree Apple ID vs the Apple Developer ProgramWhat a free Apple ID lets you do with your own app, what the 99 USD a year Apple Developer Program adds, and which one fits what you want.Updated 18 October 2026In shortA free Apple ID is enough to build your own app and run it on your own iPhone, with Borel and Borel Companion.The Developer Program, 99 USD a year, adds the App Store, TestFlight and services such as push notifications, iCloud, Sign in with Apple and In-App Purchase.Nonprofits, accredited educational institutions and government entities can ask for a fee waiver.On this pageWith BorelSide by sideWhat a free Apple ID coversServices your app can useJoining the Developer ProgramWhich one fitsWith BorelWith a free Apple ID, Borel Companion puts the apps you build on your own iPhone and signs them again for a fresh 7 days.With the Developer Program, Borel’s Publish flow builds, signs and sends your app to the App Store, on a Pro plan (Pricing).Side by sideWhat a free Apple Account and an Apple Developer Program membership include, from Apple's tableFree Apple AccountDeveloper ProgramRunning your app on your own devicesYesYesBeta Xcode and OS releasesYesYesDeveloper Forums and Feedback AssistantYesYesMeet with Apple activitiesYesYesCode-level supportYesCertificates, Identifiers & ProfilesYesApp Store ConnectYesTestFlightYesXcode CloudYes, with 25 compute hours a monthPriceFree99 USD a yearWhat a free Apple ID coversSigned in without a membership, your account is a Personal Team. It covers:Up to 3 devices, with up to 3 of your apps on each.Installs that run for 7 days at a time; signing the app again gives it a fresh 7.Up to 10 App IDs every 7 days.Services your app can useWhich app services a free Apple Account and the Developer Program support, from Apple's listServiceFree Apple AccountDeveloper ProgramHealthKitYesYesHomeKitYesYesMapsYes, without routing directionsYesBackground modesYesYesApp groups and keychain sharingYesYesPush notificationsYesiCloudYesSign in with AppleYesIn-App PurchaseYesApple PayYesGame CenterYesWeatherKitYesJoining the Developer ProgramAs an individual: an Apple Account with two-factor authentication and your legal name, which the App Store shows as the seller.As an organization: a legal entity with a D-U-N-S Number, its website, and someone who can sign for it.In the Apple Developer app, in some regions: membership renews each year until you cancel, paid with a payment method on your Apple Account.Fee waivers for nonprofits, accredited educational institutions and government entities that don’t sell apps or in-app purchases.Which one fitsWhich account each goal needsYou want toUsePut your own app on your own iPhoneA free Apple ID, with Borel CompanionAdd push notifications, iCloud, Sign in with Apple or In-App PurchaseThe Developer ProgramShare the app with testersThe Developer Program, with TestFlightPut the app on the App StoreThe Developer Program, with Borel's PublishMake your iPhone app in BorelDescribe it in your own words. Borel writes it in Swift, builds it on its own Mac and puts it on your iPhone.Start buildingHow it worksMore guidesMake your own iPhone app, just for youMake an iPhone app without a Mac (2026)Install your own iOS app from WindowsPublish to the App Store from WindowsSwiftUI vs React Native for a first app