Chapter 2: Before you start: what you'll need
You can start building your app in Replit straight away, but it’s worth setting up a few things first. You’ll need them later to monetize and publish your app.
Do this first: Apply for the Apple Developer Program as early as possible. You can keep building your app while Apple processes your enrollment.
Apple Developer Program
To publish an app on the App Store, you need to join the Apple Developer Program. This gives you access to the tools you’ll need to test and distribute your app, including TestFlight and App Store Connect. Membership costs $99 per year and covers all apps published through your account.
When you enroll, Apple will ask whether you’re joining as an individual or an organization:
- Choose individual if you’re publishing under your own name.
- Choose organization if you already have a registered company and want its legal name to appear as the seller on the App Store.
Most first-time builders can enroll as individuals. Just be aware that information associated with your developer account may appear publicly on the App Store. Check Apple’s current requirements, particularly if you’ll distribute your app in the EU.
Paid Apps Agreement, banking, and tax setup
Joining the Apple Developer Program lets you publish free apps, but there are a few more steps before you can charge users.
Inside App Store Connect, you’ll need to:
- Accept the Paid Apps Agreement
- Add the bank account where Apple should send your earnings
We’ll walk through these steps in Section 7.
Apple's commission and the App Store Small Business Program
When someone buys a subscription or in-app purchase, Apple may take a commission before paying you the rest.
Eligible developers can apply to the App Store Small Business Program to receive a reduced commission rate of 15% on paid apps and in-app purchases, subject to Apple’s terms and eligibility requirements.
The program is generally available to new developers and developers who earned no more than $1 million in proceeds during the previous calendar year.
If you’re eligible, it’s worth applying. Enrollment is free, and the reduced commission means you keep more of the revenue from eligible App Store transactions.