How to Create Developer Accounts for App Publishing
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How to Create Developer Accounts for App Publishing

Written by: ShopApper Team
27.05.2025 - 5 mins read

Table of Contents

Before you can publish an app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you must create developer accounts with Apple and Google. These accounts give you access to essential tools for submitting, managing, and updating your app.

🍎 How to Create an Apple Developer Account

To distribute apps on the Apple App Store, you must enroll in the Apple Developer Program.

Step 1: Prepare Your Apple ID

  • Apple ID: Ensure you have an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.
  • Legal Requirements: You must be 18 years or older and enroll using your legal name.
  • D-U-N-S® Number: Required if enrolling as an organization. You can request one for free from Dun & Bradstreet saying you’re an Apple developer.
*D-U-N-S Number will take a few days to receive so it’d be best to start the process right away to move on to the step 2.

Step 2: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program

  • Visit the Apple Developer Program enrollment page.
  • Sign in with your Apple ID.
  • Select Company/Organization as your entity type (recommended for businesses).
  • Provide your legal entity name, D-U-N-S number, and contact information.
  • Review and accept the Apple Developer Agreement.
  • Pay the $99 annual membership fee.
Once approved, you’ll have access to the Apple Developer Console, where you can manage your apps, certificates, provisioning profiles, and publish directly to the App Store.

🤖 How to Create a Google Play Developer Account

To publish apps on the Google Play Store, you’ll need a Google Play Console account.
Google also requests DUNS number so visit the link again and select you’re a Google developer.

Step 1: Sign Up for Google Play Console

  • Go to the Google Play Console signup page.
  • Sign in with your Google account (use a company account if available).
  • Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement.
  • Pay the $25 one-time registration fee using a valid payment method.
  • Enter your developer name, email, and contact phone number.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

  • Google may require ID verification (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
  • Organization Accounts: May require business registration documents and a valid website.
  • Once verified, you’ll gain access to the Google Play Console to upload and manage your Android apps.

Apple vs. Google: Key Differences in the Process

While both Apple and Google give you access to powerful developer tools, their requirements and workflows are different. Here’s a quick comparison to help you plan better:
Feature
Apple Developer Program
Google Play Console
Account Cost
$99/year (renewable)
$25 one-time fee
Approval Time
1–3 business days (manual review)
A few hours to 1 day (automated + manual)
App Updates
Require re-approval
Typically instant or within hours
Brand Name on Store
Your legal entity or personal name
Your developer name
D-U-N-S Requirement
Required for organizations
Sometimes requested for organizations
Team Access
Yes (via App Store Connect)
Yes (via Google Play Console users & permissions)

What to Prepare Before Publishing

Creating your developer accounts is just the start — you’ll need a few key assets ready to go when it’s time to publish your app:
✅ App Materials:
  • App Name (30 characters max for Apple, 50 for Google)
  • App Icon (high-resolution, square, no transparency)
  • Screenshots (at least 4–5 for each device type)
  • Feature Graphic (for Google Play, 1024x500px)
  • Short & Full Description (optimize for SEO and readability)
  • Promo Video (Optional) – Hosted on YouTube for Google Play
📃 Required Info:
  • Privacy Policy URL
  • Terms of Service URL
  • Age Rating and Content Guidelines
  • Target Audience and App Category
  • Contact Email and Support URL
💡 Pro Tip: Use the same tone, branding, and visuals across both platforms to build user trust and recognition.

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Publishing Timeline: What to Expect

Here’s a realistic overview of what happens after you create your accounts and upload your app:
📦 Apple App Store
  • Review Time: 24–72 hours (can be longer during holidays or for new accounts)
  • Manual Review: Apple testers manually check your app’s content, performance, and metadata.
  • Common Delays: Missing info, app crashes, unclear features, or mismatched screenshots.
📱 Google Play Store
  • Review Time: Usually within a few hours, but can take up to 7 days.
  • Automated Checks: Google scans for policy violations, security risks, and metadata issues.
  • Common Delays: Using misleading descriptions, missing privacy policy, or suspicious permissions.

🚀 Next Steps

With both developer accounts ready:
  • Prepare your app according to App Store and Google Play guidelines.
  • Use ShopApper to instantly convert your website into a fully functional mobile app.
  • Upload your app files, set pricing, configure distribution regions, and go live.
  • Monitor downloads, ratings, and performance through built-in analytics dashboards.
Publishing your app starts with the right foundation. These developer accounts are your gateway to reaching millions of users through Apple and Google’s global app marketplaces.
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