We have an existing app that has been on the Apple store for 7 years. Recently the app was removed by Apple, likely because the annual fee was not paid and unfortunately, we no longer have control over the original account even though we own the app. The employee/developer is gone.
We do have the .ipa file. No source files
Is this enough to create a new account and get this app back on the Apple Store?
Anyone? Can I do this with TestFlight?
Hey,
Your best bet is to contact Apple. Going the regular route I'd say it's not possible because you need access to the account where the app is. From there you can initiate a transfer to the new account.
Other than that, only Apple can help with your situation.
Best of luck and hope you get your app back.
Additionally to my previous post: Even if by any chance you get your app transferred to a new account you'd need source files. .IPA is not enough in long run. When you will try to upload the binary to the App Store your upload may get blocked due to requirements that your binary needs to meet.
If your binary is 7 years old I'm pretty sure you won't get through since so many things have changed.
you won't get through since so many things have changed
Here (link) is just one of those many things:
Starting April 25, 2022, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS apps submitted to the App Store must be built with Xcode 13, which includes the SDKs for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8.