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App Transfer & Acquisition Process
The mechanics of how a mobile app changes hands are critical to a successful acquisition. There are two primary methods, each with distinct advantages and risks.
The mechanics of how a mobile app changes hands are critical to a successful acquisition. There are two primary methods, each with distinct advantages and risks.
Method 1: Account Purchase (Preferred)
The buyer takes over the seller's entire Apple Developer Account by changing the login credentials, two-factor authentication, and banking details.
Advantages:
- Preserves the account's "trust score" with Apple — older accounts with clean histories face fewer review issues
- No disruption to the app's standing, rankings, or review history
- Faster and simpler process
When to use: Ideal when the seller's account contains only the apps being sold, or when the seller is willing to part with the entire account.
Method 2: App Transfer
Apple's official App Transfer mechanism moves the app from the seller's account to the buyer's account.
Advantages:
- Clean legal separation — the app arrives on a fresh account
- Necessary when the seller has other apps on their account they're keeping
Drawbacks:
- Creates a transfer record that some institutional buyers view negatively
- May trigger additional Apple review scrutiny
- Resets certain account-level trust signals
Essential Transfer Checklist
Regardless of which method is used, every acquisition should include:
- Complete source code — the latest working build that matches the live App Store version
- Design files — all UI/UX assets (Figma, Sketch, or equivalent)
- Payment analytics access — transfer of RevenueCat, Adapty, or equivalent service accounts
- Privacy policies — updated to reflect new ownership or transferred as-is for later update
- Server infrastructure — if the app uses backend services, transfer or migrate hosting
- Banking details update — ensure Apple pays revenue to the new owner's account
Using an Escrow Service
For transactions between parties who don't have an established trust relationship, using an escrow mechanism is strongly recommended. A neutral third party holds both the funds and the app during the verification period. Once both sides confirm the transfer is complete and accurate, the funds are released to the seller and the app to the buyer.
This eliminates the most common risk in private app sales: one party fulfilling their obligation while the other doesn't.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two common ways to transfer app ownership?
Deals usually close via full account purchase or Apple’s official app transfer process.
Why do some buyers prefer account purchase?
It can preserve account trust history and reduce friction compared with moving apps between accounts.
When should escrow be used in app acquisitions?
Escrow is recommended when parties do not have an established trust relationship or transaction risk is high.