How to Sell an iPhone App: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide walks you through the entire process of selling an iPhone app, from preparing your code and account to handling payments and transferring ownership. You’ll learn the exact steps to list your app on a marketplace, set a price, and complete the sale securely, whether you’re selling a finished app or a project with ongoing revenue.

What You’ll Need

An Apple Developer account (individual or organization) with the app listed or ready to list.
Access to the app’s source code and all assets (icons, images, configuration files).
Legal ownership documentation if the app was developed by a team or under contract.
A signed agreement or contract template for the sale (or use the marketplace’s standard agreement).
Bank or payment details to receive the sale proceeds.
App Store Connect credentials with at least Admin role.

Step-by-Step

Prepare your app for transfer. Ensure the app is in a stable, releasable state. Remove any personal or sensitive data from the codebase, and make sure all third-party libraries have licenses that allow transfer.
Back up everything. Create a full backup of the source code, database, and any server-side components. Store it in a secure location that you can share with the buyer after the sale.
Determine your asking price. Consider the app’s revenue history, number of downloads, user engagement, and development cost. Check similar apps on marketplaces to gauge a fair price. Be realistic—most apps sell for 12–24 months of net revenue.
Choose a sales channel. You can sell directly to a buyer you find yourself, or list on an established marketplace like Flippa, AppBusinessBrokers, or Empire Flippers. Marketplaces charge a listing fee and a success fee (often 10–15%), but they handle escrow and transfer logistics.
Create a listing. Write a clear description of the app, its features, revenue data (if any), and why it’s a good investment. Include screenshots and a video demo. Be honest about any issues or declining trends.
Vet potential buyers. If you’re selling directly, ask for proof of funds and check references. On marketplaces, the platform usually pre-screens buyers. Never give access to your code or App Store Connect until the sale is finalized.
Negotiate the terms. Agree on the price, what’s included (source code, app store listing, social media accounts, etc.), and any transition support (e.g., 30 days of technical help). Put everything in writing.
Use an escrow service. For direct sales, use a reputable escrow service to hold the buyer’s funds until you’ve transferred the app. Marketplaces typically provide their own escrow.
Transfer the App Store listing. In App Store Connect, go to “Users and Access” and add the buyer as an Admin. Then, under “App Information,” you’ll find the “Transfer App” option. Follow the on-screen steps to initiate the transfer to the buyer’s Apple Developer account. This can take a few days and requires the buyer to accept.
Transfer the source code and assets. Once the App Store transfer is complete (or in parallel with escrow), share the code repository, design files, and any server credentials via a secure method like a password-protected ZIP file or a private repository.
Complete the sale. After the buyer confirms they have everything and the app is live in their account, release the escrow funds. Send a signed invoice and a bill of sale for your records.

Common Mistakes

Not checking App Store transfer eligibility. Apps that use certain features (like in-app purchases with auto-renewable subscriptions, or apps that are part of a bundle) may not be transferable. Check Apple’s documentation before listing.
Underestimating the value of your app. Many sellers price based on development cost, but buyers care about revenue and growth potential. A $50,000 development cost doesn’t mean the app is worth $50,000.
Sharing too much too early. Giving a potential buyer full access to your code or App Store Connect before the sale is finalized can lead to theft or a broken deal.
Forgetting to transfer associated accounts. If you have a developer Twitter account, a support email, or an analytics account, make sure the buyer gets those too—otherwise they’ll lose access to user data.
Skipping the legal agreement. A handshake deal is a recipe for disaster. Always have a written contract that states exactly what’s being sold and what the buyer can do with it.

Tips

Clean up your code. Add comments, remove debug logs, and make sure the app builds from a fresh clone. A professional codebase commands a higher price.
Document everything. Write a simple README that explains the architecture, dependencies, and how to publish updates. This reduces post-sale support requests.
Be transparent about revenue. Provide verified revenue reports from App Store Connect. Buyers will ask for them anyway—sharing them upfront builds trust.
Consider a transition period. Offering 2–4 weeks of email support after the sale can justify a higher price and prevent chargebacks or disputes.
Use a marketplace for your first sale. They handle the legal and escrow details, which is worth the fee if you’ve never sold an app before.

Troubleshooting

Apple rejects the transfer. This can happen if the app is using a feature that’s not transferable, like a custom app icon or a subscription that’s been active for less than a year. Contact Apple support to understand the specific reason and see if you can resolve it.
The buyer goes silent after paying. If you’ve already transferred the app, you have little recourse. That’s why escrow is important—it holds the funds until both sides confirm. If the buyer is unresponsive, the escrow service can help mediate.
The app gets rejected after transfer. The buyer may make changes that cause a rejection. That’s their responsibility, but if you provided transition support, you can help them fix it.
You can’t access your App Store Connect account. If you’ve been locked out, you’ll need to contact Apple support to verify your identity. This is why you should never transfer the app until the funds are secured.
The buyer disputes the sale. If they claim the app doesn’t work as described, you’ll need to provide the communication and the contract. This is another reason to keep thorough records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell an app that’s already been published on the App Store?

Yes, you can transfer the app to another developer’s account via App Store Connect’s “Transfer App” feature. The app remains available to users during the transfer.

How much does it cost to sell an iPhone app?

Apple does not charge a fee for transferring an app. If you use a marketplace, they’ll charge a listing fee (often $19–$99) and a success fee (usually 10–15% of the sale price).

Do I need to include the source code?

Most buyers expect the source code, but it’s not required. You can sell just the App Store listing and the rights to the app name, but the price will be much lower. Be clear about what’s included.

Can I sell an app that has in-app purchases?

Yes, but auto-renewable subscriptions can only be transferred if the app has been live for at least one year. Non-renewing subscriptions and consumable purchases are fine.

How long does the transfer process take?

After you initiate the transfer in App Store Connect, the buyer must accept it. The entire process typically takes 2–5 business days, but it can be longer if Apple needs to review the transfer.

What if my app uses a server or backend?

You’ll need to transfer the server code, database, and any hosting credentials to the buyer. Make sure the hosting account is in your name, and be prepared to assist with the migration.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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