How Much Does a Developer Account Cost: Apple vs Google Play
Before you can publish an app, you have to pay for platform access — and Apple and Google structure that cost very differently: a recurring annual fee versus a one-time payment. Here’s what each covers, what costs show up later, and what to watch for when paying.
Direct comparison
| Apple Developer Program | Google Play Console | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $99/year | $25 one-time, no renewal |
| Payment type | Annual subscription | One-time registration fee |
| What’s included | App Store distribution, TestFlight (up to 10,000 external testers), access to advanced APIs (HealthKit, Apple Pay, etc.), beta OS access, 2 technical support incidents per year | Google Play distribution, Play Console access, analytics, app management tools |
| Sales commission | 15% (revenue under $1M/year) or 30% (above) | 15% on the first $1M/year, 30% above; 15% on subscriptions from year two onward |
| If payment lapses | Apps get pulled from the store after a grace period | Not applicable — payment is one-time |
| Organization option | Same $99/year, requires a D-U-N-S number | Organization accounts are exempt from the closed-testing requirement (unlike personal accounts) |
What the Apple Developer Enterprise Program covers
Worth mentioning separately: Apple Developer Enterprise Program costs $299/year and is meant purely for internal app distribution to a company’s own employees, bypassing App Review entirely. It’s not an alternative to the standard program for public apps — it’s a distinct product for internal corporate use.
Hidden costs people forget to budget for
Registration itself isn’t the only upfront cost:
- Hardware — iOS development requires a Mac (Xcode only runs on macOS), which is usually the largest single expense for a first-time iOS developer.
- A D-U-N-S number for organization accounts (both platforms) — free to obtain through Dun & Bradstreet, but can take a few days to a few weeks, and you can’t complete organization verification without it.
- Sales commission — 15–30% depending on annual revenue and platform; this, not the registration fee, is the real long-term cost.
- The $1M revenue threshold — cross it and both platforms’ commission jumps from 15% to 30%. Worth factoring into financial planning ahead of time.
- Additional EU fees — apps with high install volumes in the EU may face separate charges tied to Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance.
Payment methods and what to watch for
- Google Play: credit/debit cards accepted, supported types vary by region; prepaid cards aren’t accepted; carrier billing is available in some countries.
- Apple: paid via linked card at registration/renewal; organizations may be able to pay through a corporate account in some regions.
- Make sure the cardholder name exactly matches the name/company on your developer profile — a mismatch can cause not just a declined payment but also issues during identity verification (relevant on both platforms).
Which to start with on a tight budget
If budget is the deciding factor, Google Play’s one-time $25 is a much lower barrier to entry than Apple’s $99/year. It’s one reason many small teams and solo developers ship an MVP on Android first, and move to iOS once the product has proven demand.
FAQ
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Apple offers a 14-day refund window, provided no developer tools or program services were used. Google Play’s registration fee is stated as non-refundable in most cases.
What happens to my apps if I don’t renew Apple Developer Program?
After the grace period ends, apps are removed from the App Store until renewal.
Are there discounts or fee waivers available?
Apple offers a fee waiver for eligible nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities publishing free apps, subject to application and eligibility criteria. Google Play doesn’t have an equivalent program at the registration-fee level, since the amount is already minimal.
This article is independent and not affiliated with Apple Inc. or Google LLC. For current rates, see developer.apple.com and play.google.com/console.
Related: How to Register for Google Play Console: Step-by-Step · Renewing Apple Developer Program Membership · Apple Developer Organization Verification Explained