A Lifetime AppTesters plan and an Apple signing certificate are not the same thing. Premium and Ultimate Lifetime coverage can continue for the registered device, while the individual certificate issued through an Apple Developer account has its own validity period and may need to be renewed or reissued.
Why renewal is needed
Apple controls developer-account renewal, certificate expiration, certificate validity, and device registration. When an account or certificate reaches the end of its current cycle, AppTesters may need to confirm that the device is still in use and prepare a renewed certificate.
Renewal does not mean that your Lifetime plan has become an annual subscription. It is the technical process required to keep the Apple certificate associated with the covered device current.
What should I do when renewal is due?
Follow the instructions in the renewal email or your AppTesters order page. Confirm that the displayed email address and device UDID are correct, and complete any requested renewal confirmation within the stated period.
After a renewed certificate is issued, you may need to import or select it in your signing tool, sign fresh copies of your apps, and reinstall them. Back up important app data first because removing an app can also remove data stored only on the device.
Is renewal the same as revocation?
No. Expiration is the scheduled end of a certificate's validity period. Revocation or developer-account termination can end validity earlier because of an Apple action. The troubleshooting and replacement steps can therefore differ.
The exceptional discounted replacement policy for certificates affected by the extraordinary 2025 Apple developer-account event is separate from an ordinary scheduled renewal.