Hi there, I tried to submit my CSR to Apple but didnt find the right menu on the apple developer website. Do I have to complete the annual purchase for this (99 USD)? Is there another free way to bring my app to few family iphones?
Welcome Manfred.
The advice for working with the CSR that App Inventor provides is in the last link below.
Probably.
You CAN build, package, and install iOS apps, but the current process is costly and complex because of strict Apple developer requirements. We are developing an App Inventor-friendly process soon.
https://appinventor.mit.edu/ios_tips
What do you currently need to develop and use App Inventor to build and add the app to your ios phone?
First, you will need an active Apple Developer License. While this is typically $99/year, non-profit and educational organizations can often get a waiver for the fee. Every iOS app is signed using a private key and a certificate. The certificate is signed by Apple, and iOS devices will only install apps signed by a certificate signed by Apple. This document will take you through the process of setting up your App Inventor and Apple developer accounts so you can compile apps for your iOS devices.
https://iosbuildservertest.appinventor.mit.edu/reference/other/build-ios-apps.html
The documentation above seems to indicate this is not possible, at least at this point of time. Perhaps someone else might be aware of how to add your app to other's phones.
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Hi Steve,
thanks very much for your answer. Of course I already read the linked articles. But without the payment I cant see the shown menu :D.
Waiver: The apple describtion sounds very harsh
"To enroll in a developer program, your organization must be a legal entity so that it can enter into legal agreements with Apple. We do not accept DBAs, fictitious businesses, trade names, or branches. The legal entity name must correspond with the tax ID you plan to use and will appear on your product page for apps you may distribute on the App Store and Mac App Store"
And:
A D-U-N-S® Number
I think it is not possible to do so for me. If someone else had an idea I would be very pleased.
Other approach: Could someone else pack my exported .aia into an apple iOS app package, so that I can install this on my friends devices?
As previously pointed out, Apple only allows installing apps signed by paid developer accounts.
Someone might be willing to push your app to TestFlight, which is Apple's beta testing platform. It does not require dev mode but builds are only valid for 90 days (compared to one year for ad hoc distribution).
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Thanks for your explanations. I will quit the effort in bringing the app to apple due to this problems. Very sad, but ok.
Thanks for your help!
The Apple App Store automatically verifies the validity of your developer account when you submit an update or a new version of your app, meaning you can simply upload the new build without needing to make any code changes specifically for license verification.
Key points to remember:
- Automatic validation:
The App Store Connect system automatically checks your developer account status when you submit a new app version.
- No rebuild needed:
If your developer license is active, you can upload new updates without needing to rebuild your app specifically to verify the license.
- Impact of expired license:
If your developer license expires, you won't be able to submit new updates or new apps to the App Store.
For more details about how expensive it is to maintain an app on Apple Play, see
The alternative is to make apps for Android instead it appears if you are a casual developer, developing for fun (not commercial purposes).
I am. But I developed the app on demand for my family and friends in our crossfit box to track their results. Someones use android and someones apple. I thought the MIT App Inventor is the best thing to do so. My next step is to build the functions in a website, so that android and iOS users could use it.
A progressive web app (PWA) might be the best way to go if you don't want to pay Apple for the privilege of installing a native app.
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