What are the pros and cons of using my personal iTunes account as my Developer ID?

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Level 1

14 points

What are the pros and cons of using my personal iTunes account as my Developer ID?

The Apple ID I currently have has only been used to purchase content from iTunes and the Mac App store, so far. I want to create a Developer ID, and it give the option of using an existing iTunes account or creating a new ID.

What are the pros and cons of using my existing account vs. creating a new one? If I create a new one, will I be able to test apps on my current iPhone and iPad (which are associated with the existing account).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted on Apr 1, 2012 2:57 PM

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Answer 1

K T

Level 7

23,895 points

Apr 1, 2012 3:18 PM in response to BryanWall

Do whatever is easiest for you to manage over time.

Either way, you can provision your devices for testing. Your iTunes account ties your machine to your computer....your testing profiles on your device ties your apps to that device.

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Answer 2

BryanWall Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 1, 2012 4:27 PM in response to K T

I am new to iOS and Mac development, so I'm not sure what will be easiest to manage over time. My question is essentially which will be easier...

If I can test my app on my current device, without having to wipe it and put a different ID on it, then creating a separate Developer ID might make sense, to keep the development separate from my personal iTunes account purchases. Is that the right way to look at it?

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Answer 3

etresoft

Level 9

56,788 points

Apr 1, 2012 4:59 PM in response to BryanWall

Fazolis wrote:

I am new to iOS and Mac development, so I'm not sure what will be easiest to manage over time. My question is essentially which will be easier...

I have always used my primary Apple ID as my developer ID. No problems. Lately I have had to switch but only because I moved to Canada and changing countries with a developer account is a royal hassle.

The only time you really need separate Apple IDs is if you get and an iTunes account for content creation - to publish your own music or books. In that case, Apple recommends a separate account. Long story.

If I can test my app on my current device, without having to wipe it and put a different ID on it, then creating a separate Developer ID might make sense, to keep the development separate from my personal iTunes account purchases. Is that the right way to look at it?

You shouldn't have to wipe your device. Just sign up as your current Apple ID and everything should be fairly seamless and painless. Apple has big warnings that testing software on your device could render it inoperable otherwise, but I don't know if that has ever happened to anyone.

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