Is it free to be an Apple developer?

While becoming an Apple developer is not free, it does come with a cost of 99 USD per year for membership in the Apple Developer Program. This fee allows developers access to a variety of resources, tools, and support that are essential for creating and distributing apps on Apple's platforms, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Membership benefits include access to beta software, advanced app capabilities, and the ability to submit apps to the App Store. Additionally, developers can take advantage of technical support and resources that can help them improve their skills and enhance their applications. For those who are just starting out or are interested in learning, Apple also offers a free tier that provides access to some development resources, but to fully engage with the ecosystem and publish apps, the paid membership is necessary.