Question: I am looking for a way that I can develop an app cheaply for a very specific use. 
Specifically, I would like to create an game that can be played online between different phones. 

I have some coding and development experience, and I would like to make the app iOS compatible (initially... open to Android integration later on).
Is anyone aware of a way to make an app without paying $99+ a year to be deployed on the app store? I simply need to make it available to approximately 15 people, and am uninterested in making any money or widely distributing the app. 
Many of the target audience are in low-income areas of the world and have very limited access to computers, so a mobile application is likely my only option. 

Thanks in advance for any help! 

I have done research into Apple developer accounts, but it doesn't seem to fit my needs. I have also looked into making an Ad-Hoc account app, but can't find a lot of info on the feasibility of this.

Answer: 
One thing to consider is what are the game performance requirements? 

If it is a simple game, using a [Javascript game engine](https://github.com/bebraw/jswiki/wiki/Game-Engines) may be a better option as it can be hosted on a server (and viewed in a browser) to start with, and later bundled in a progressive web app with [PWA Builder](https://www.pwabuilder.com).
I'm not an expert but I think this question should be moved to a different Stack Exchange website.

Anyway, if you want to distribute your app to iOS real devices through the App Store, you will have to pay the $99 yearly membership.  

There is also a [free Apple Developer Program](https://developer.apple.com/support/compare-memberships/). I never tried it and I think you need physical access to the devices on which you want to load the app. But I could be wrong and maybe you'll have access to TestFlight. If you do have access to TestFlight the only disadvantage is that you'll have to re-publish your app from time to time when the testing period for one version is over. Try it!

> 
> iOS device and low-income don't really fit together ;-).
> 
> 
> 

On Android, it is much more affordable even with the use of the Play store. If it hasn't change much it is a one time $25 fee and that's it. You can do Alpha/Beta and Production releases.  

Regarding your requirements it is the best platform because the devices are generally cheaper.