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 ArdinGate Studios builds your app, it is published under ArdinGate Studios' Apple and Google developer accounts. You get full source code access upon final payment, and ArdinGate Studios handles 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. Everything is handled.

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.

Your store listings, managed by ArdinGate Studios

ArdinGate Studios publishes under its developer accounts and handles 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

You don't pay Apple's $99/year or Google's $25 registration fee while ArdinGate Studios manages the listing.

What you get vs. what ArdinGate Studios manages

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 — you can choose a flat-fee transfer package any time after launch.

$500
One-time flat fee
  • 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 me for ongoing development, but I won't manage the store listings anymore.

Apple's enrollment process can take 1–2 weeks and requires a D-U-N-S number for business accounts. ArdinGate Studios walks you through the whole thing.

Developer account costs (only if you transfer)

These fees go directly to Apple and Google. You don't pay them while ArdinGate Studios manages your app.

Questions about ownership

Absolutely. You can keep getting features and updates at the standard rate of $100/hr. Add me as a team member on your developer accounts so I can submit directly, or get the build and submit it yourself.
You always have your source code. Request the Transfer & Handoff, and you'll walk away with full ownership of everything — code, store listings, and all associated assets. No lock-in, no penalties.

See all ownership & transfer FAQs → Need a website? Website FAQs at ArdinGate →

Questions about ownership or transfers?

Bring your questions; I'll walk you through your project's setup.

Get in touch