The present invention provides a developing method for rendering a latent image supported on an image bearing member visible, and an apparatus therefor, in which a developer supporting member supporting thereon spherical granular developer prepared in substantially spherical form by a flow coater process or a spray drying process is maintained in opposed relation to an electrostatic image bearing member having a backing electrode so that the surface of the image bearing member and the developer on the developer supporting member are maintained in a mutually contact-free state, and an alternating voltage is applied to the developer supporting member to cause reciprocating motion of the developer in the developing area between the developer supporting member and the image bearing member.