Glossary term
What Is In-App Purchase (IAP)?
Digital goods bought inside a mobile app through Apple's or Google's billing systems, subject to 15-30% platform fees.
Any digital good or service purchased inside a mobile app — from unlocking premium features to buying coins in a game to subscribing to a service — is an in-app purchase. Apple and Google both require digital purchases to use their native billing (not Stripe or similar), with a 15-30% platform fee. IAPs split into three types: consumables (coins, credits), non-consumables (unlock premium forever), and subscriptions (auto-renewing). Most modern apps that charge money use subscriptions.
Common Questions
Do I have to use Apple's billing for digital purchases?
Yes, for consumption inside an iOS app, Apple requires StoreKit. Physical goods can use Stripe or other processors.
What's the platform fee?
30% standard. 15% under Apple's Small Business Program if revenue under $1M/year. 15% on year 2+ of subscriptions.
Related terms
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