What happens to my apps after my developer account membership expires? [closed]

Answer 1

Your apps will be removed from the app store, although it won't happen instantly. This is what an Apple sales rep told me a few months ago.

Answer 2

All the existing apps will not be removed from App Store, only user will not be able to manage their applications on App Store like adding new apps, updating the existing apps.

Answer 3

One important addition to the previous answers: your apps will NOT be completely removed by Apple, so if you renew your membership later, they will return in the App Store within 24 hours. You do not need to resubmit them. Please note that this doesn't invalidate the other answers, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

What happens to my apps on the App Store if I do not renew my membership?

If your membership has already expired when you renew, your renewal will activate once you complete the renewal process and any free apps you had available for download will become available again within 24 hours. Any paid apps you had available for download will become available again after you sign in to iTunes Connect and complete your Paid Applications contract. You do not need to resubmit your apps.

From: https://developer.apple.com/support/renewal/

Answer 4

Most importantly for me, already purchased and installed apps will continue to work. Per the FAQ pointed to earlier:

If I don't renew my iOS Developer Program, will my app still function for customers who have already installed or downloaded it from the App Store? Yes. If you do not renew your iOS Developer Program your app will still function for customers who have already installed or downloaded it. However, without renewal of your Program you will lose App Store distribution and your app will no longer be available on the App Store.

Answer 5

From https://developer.apple.com/support/renewal/

What happens if I do not renew my iOS Developer Program membership?

Once your membership expires, your apps will no longer be available on the App Store and you will lose the ability to submit new apps. You will lose access to pre-release software, the Apple Developer Forums, Developer Technical Support, and the Certificate Utility. In addition, your existing iOS Distribution certificates will be revoked and invalidated. Finally, if you enrolled in the program as a company, you will lose the ability to manage your development team.

You will, however, retain your status as a Registered Apple Developer and will have access to free development resources.