“You can learn how to develop apps for Apple platforms for free without enrolling. With just an Apple ID, you can access Xcode, software downloads, documentation, sample code, forums, and Feedback Assistant, as well as test your apps on devices.”
Not to mention you can already side load apps using a free account as well, you just have to refresh the signing once a week. Presumably “real” side loading will remove that restriction and make the process simpler.
This hasn’t been true for years…
“You can learn how to develop apps for Apple platforms for free without enrolling. With just an Apple ID, you can access Xcode, software downloads, documentation, sample code, forums, and Feedback Assistant, as well as test your apps on devices.”
https://developer.apple.com/support/compare-memberships/
Not to mention you can already side load apps using a free account as well, you just have to refresh the signing once a week. Presumably “real” side loading will remove that restriction and make the process simpler.