Now this is interesting, had to dig it out: Free On-Device Development Now everyone can run and test their own app on a device—for free. You can run and debug

Now this is interesting, had to dig it out: Free On-Device Development Now everyone can run and test their own app on a device—for free. You can run and debug your own creations on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch without any fees, and no programs to join. All you need to do is enter your free Apple ID into Xcode. You can even use the same Apple ID you already use for the App Store or iTunes. Once you’ve perfected your app the Apple Developer Program can help you get it on the App Store. See Launching Your App on Devices for detailed information about installing and running on devices. ( From the feature list for xcode 7 — https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/ios/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/WhatsNewXcode/Articles/xcode_7_0.html https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/ios/documenta... ) My theory was that the whole developer key thing was a very effective piracy countermeasure — registering and paying $100/year (iirc) is expensive and inconvenient enough that it's easier to just buy things. What has changed?