First App.
Your learning space A little progress, every day
CHAPTER 01Lesson 3 of 36

Know what costs money

Separate the things you already have from the things you may need later.

Nothing to install yet4 min read & do
By the end of this lesson

Understand the starting cost and the cost of sharing your app.

Let’s do this

  1. 1
    Nothing to install yet

    Use your existing Plus account

    ChatGPT Plus is listed at US$20 per month, with local pricing and tax varying. Codex is included. Its allowance depends on the task and model, so work in small steps and check the usage screen instead of assuming unlimited use.

    Codex plans and limits (opens a new tab)
  2. 2
    Nothing to install yet

    Start with Apple’s free tools

    Xcode, the simulator and personal device testing do not require paid Apple membership. Free installations are temporary: their signing expires after seven days and they need rebuilding and reinstalling from Xcode.

  3. 3
    Nothing to install yet

    Plan for sharing later

    Apple Developer membership is US$99 per year, or the price shown in your local currency. You will need it for TestFlight and the App Store. The enrolment chapter explains when to pay and what details become public.

  4. 4
    Nothing to install yet

    Leave extras until the app needs them

    A basic app can save information on the phone. It does not need a domain, database subscription or user login. If your own app uses an AI service, that service’s charges are separate from the ChatGPT account used to build it.

The course costs page showing no extra starting cost with existing equipment and Plus, and US$99 yearly Apple membership for wider sharing.View larger
This guide’s costs reference, captured 7 September 2026. Open What it costs for the full comparison and links to current prices.Screenshot source (opens a new tab)

A message for Codex

For my first iPhone app, which helps the people I want to help to [describe the problem my app should solve], explain the smallest version we can build using my existing ChatGPT Plus account, free Xcode and local phone storage. List any later costs separately. Ask before adding a paid service, paid library, AI API or subscription.

Make this message fit your idea.

What you should see

You can start building with no extra tool purchase, and you know the annual Apple fee comes before wider sharing.

If you get stuck

Go at your own pace. There is no test to pass.

Checked 7 September 2026. Screens can change; the official guides below have the latest steps.

Codex plans and limitsApple’s free developer accountApple Developer enrolment