How to create an Apple account and enable Hococo to publish your App

In this article we will go through how to set up an Apple developer account, how to add Hococo to your App store account and how to request access to App store connect's public API.

Introduction

Apple has updated its App Store Review Guidelines (Section 4.2.6), now requiring that all apps on the App Store be published through a developer account registered to your organization.

If you need a white-label mobile app, you'll need to create a developer account with Apple and authorize us to publish the app on your behalf.

Important information

Please ensure you regularly monitor your Apple account, promptly accept any pending agreements, and renew your subscription on time. Failure to do so could result in Apple removing your white-label app from the App Store.

The individual enrolling must have the authority to sign agreements.

Any issues with your developer account on Apple’s side must be addressed directly with Apple Customer Service; OfficeRnD cannot intervene in these matters.

For EU customers, please verify your trader status with Apple.

Registering for an Apple developer account 

1. Ensure you have created an Apple ID for your organisation.
   Important: You must use an organisational Apple Account and not a personal one. Enrol as an organisation, not as an Individual.
2. Log in with your Apple ID and check if you have an existing D-U-N-S number or create a new one. Your D-U-N-S number will be used to check the identity and legal entity status of your organisation as part of our enrollment verification process for joining the Apple Developer Program.
3. Enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which costs an annual fee of USD 99 at https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/

Add Hococo to your App store account 

We also need you to add us to your App Store account, so we can publish the mobile application and any future versions of it on your behalf. 

1. Go to your App Store Connect account and navigate to Users and Access.
2. Click the + button next to Users and add our development account details. Assign us the Admin role:
   
   1. First name: Ramiro
   2. Last name: Estrella 
   3. E-mail: ramiro@hococo.io

Request access to the app store connect's public API

1. Log in to App Store Connect
2. Open the Users and Access section
3. Switch to the Keys tab and Request Access
4. Tick off the box and Submit your request
5. Then you should get a confirmation email from Apple - if you receive it, you’ve done everything correctly.

Important: Submit Trader Declaration as per EU's Digital Services Act

You must complete a trader declaration as per the EU's Digital Services Act. This is a new requirement, added to Apple's EU policy in response to EU's Digital Markets Act. The act requires Apple to verify and display trader contact information for all traders who may distribute content in the EU. This includes an address, phone number, and email address that you must provide to Apple for the purpose of posting on your App Store product page in accordance with the DSA. More details here: Manage European Union Digital Services Act trader requirements. Although submission is not required for organizations that don't distribute apps on the App Store in the EU (e.g. you only distribute apps via alternative distribution, or TestFlight, or on the App Store only outside the EU), Apple reviewers might not check  your location or where you will be distributing the app. That's why we recommend completing the declaration. 

1. To complete the compliance requirements, you have to navigate to the Agreements, Tax, and Banking section of your Apple account. 
2. Once there, you have to click on Complete Compliance Requirements.
3. This will redirect you to the Business section, where you have to click on "Complete Compliance Requirements" and the menu will show up.

If you need anymore help feel free to reach out to our team!