Apple revamped its Mac OS X Developer Program late on Thursday, and the most notable change was a substantial membership price reduction. Instead of paying at least US$499 annually to participate in the Apple Developer Connection Program, memberships now cost only $99 a year.
Along with the membership price cut, developer program members get access to pre-release versions of Apple software, training videos, technical support, and the Apple Developer online forums. The new program doesn't, however, include developer hardware discounts.
The redesigned Mac Developer Program should look familiar to iPhone Developer Program members because that's what the changes are modeled on. The lower price also will likely help draw in more Mac OS X application developers that couldn't afford to join the program under the old pricing scheme.
Current Apple Developer Connection program members will continue to receive the benefits they paid for until their subscription expires, and then will be able to sign up as part of the new program.