Which App-ID to use when developing for a client?

Question

I'm developing an app for a client who has his own developer account with apple to be able to publish the app under their brand name. So far, I've been using my own account to provide them with preview versions of the app, using an App-ID I created on my account.

To upload the app to the store, I'll send my client an archived build of my app (see my earlier question on the matter) which he can resign using his distribution certificate and upload it to the store.

Now I'm wondering however which App-ID I'd have to use for this final build. To be more specific, questions that puzzle me are:

• Does my client need to create an ID which I need to use?
• If I keep using the ID I created on my account instead, would he be able to resign and upload the app at all?
• Is there a way to somehow transfer or share an App-ID between developer accounts?
• Are there implications regarding future updates to the app?

Thanks alot!!

Answer 1

I recommend using an app ID in the client's domain, since the ID will end up in their product listing in iTunes Connect. Any local documents or preferences that the app creates during testing will be keyed to that ID, so you might not want to change the ID before submission.

Unless the app uses InAppPurchase, developers can use a wildcard provision profile for developing and testing with that app ID. If the app uses IAP, the problem gets a little more interesting, as you can't use a wildcard provision.

Answer 2

We've run into this for our company as well. Our solution is to have them make us a developer on their account and we sign using their certificate. This prevents a few things:

1) Them getting a product with our name on it 2) Forcing a client to "build" the app you worked your ass off on, and them screwing it up and blaming you because they don't know how to set up their own damn account (yes I'm pissed about this one). 3) Allows them to "manage" us as a client. We have access but after the project they can remove us from their portal.

We typically do this like you, we develop on our own to show demo's. Then for the final we either set them up with an account that they manage (and we have access too) or they give us access to sign and post on the app store.

It gets messy with these topics and clients but I truly think it's best the way we do it now. We've run into TONS of issues because of this.

Good luck!