App Ownership & Transfers
How ownership works when ArdinGate Studios builds your app — and how to take full control whenever you're ready.
How it works by default
When we build your app, ArdinGate Studios publishes it under our Apple and Google developer accounts. You get full source code access upon final payment, and we handle everything related to the app stores — submissions, updates, listing management, and review responses.
This is the simplest setup for most clients. You don't need to create developer accounts, deal with Apple's enrollment process, pay annual platform fees, or learn how app submissions work. We take care of all of it.
Source code is yours
Full source code delivered upon final payment. Review it, audit it, or keep it as a backup — it's your code.
Store listings managed by us
We publish under our developer accounts and handle all App Store and Play Store interactions.
Updates handled for you
OS compatibility patches, bug fixes, and feature updates — submitted and managed on your behalf.
No platform fees for you
Apple's $99/year and Google's $25 registration fee are covered while we manage the listing.
What you get vs. what we manage
| You | ArdinGate Studios | |
|---|---|---|
| Source code | Full access | — |
| App Store listing | — | Owned & managed |
| Play Store listing | — | Owned & managed |
| Update submissions | — | Handled |
| Review responses | — | Handled |
| Developer account fees | — | Covered |
Want full control? Transfer & Handoff
If you'd rather own everything outright — store listings, developer accounts, and all — we offer a flat-fee transfer package available any time after launch.
- Full App Store listing transfer to your Apple Developer account
- Full Play Store listing transfer to your Google Play account
- Guided setup of your Apple Developer enrollment ($99/year, paid to Apple)
- Guided setup of your Google Play Developer registration ($25 one-time, paid to Google)
- Complete handoff document — credentials, store listing details, submission history, and everything you need to manage independently
- App reviews, ratings, and download history transfer with the listing
- 14-day post-transfer support window for questions
Good to know
The transfer moves your live app listing — reviews, ratings, and install count all come with it. Your users won't notice anything changed.
After transfer, you're responsible for developer account fees and submitting future updates. You can still hire us for ongoing development — we just won't be managing the store listings anymore.
Apple's enrollment process can take 1–2 weeks and requires a D-U-N-S number for business accounts. We walk you through the whole thing.
Developer account costs (only if you transfer)
These fees are paid directly to Apple and Google — not to us. As long as ArdinGate Studios manages your app, you don't pay these.
Apple Developer Program
Required to publish on the App Store. Enrollment takes 1–2 weeks for organizations. Requires a D-U-N-S number for business accounts.
Google Play Developer
Required to publish on Google Play. Registration is straightforward and typically approved within 48 hours.
Questions about ownership
See all ownership & transfer FAQs → Need a website? Website FAQs at ArdinGate →
Questions about ownership or transfers?
We're happy to walk you through how it works for your specific project.
Get in touch