In-App Purchases and Subscriptions: Apple vs Google Rules

Introduction

Any app selling digital goods or subscriptions has to navigate both Apple's and Google's in-app purchase rules, which differ enough to catch founders off guard during their first submission.

The Commission Structure

Both platforms generally take a percentage of in-app purchase revenue — historically around 30%, dropping to a reduced rate for smaller developers or after a subscriber's first year on Apple's platform. This commission has to be factored into pricing from the start, since it materially affects margins on digital goods sold through the app.

Apple's Stricter Requirements

Apple requires digital goods and subscriptions to go through Apple's in-app purchase system specifically — apps that try to route around it with external payment links for digital content risk rejection. Physical goods and services consumed outside the app are generally exempt from this requirement.

Google's More Flexible Approach

Google has historically allowed somewhat more flexibility around alternative billing in certain regions and categories, though the core requirement — that digital in-app purchases use Google Play's billing system — is broadly similar to Apple's stance.

Planning Your Pricing Around Both

Because platform commissions eat into margin on digital purchases, many SaaS products price their web subscription lower than the equivalent in-app purchase, to offset the commission when sold through mobile. This needs to be communicated clearly to avoid user confusion about price differences across platforms.

Conclusion

Both platforms' rules change periodically, so checking current guidelines before submission is worth the time — a rejected build over a payment integration issue is one of the most avoidable launch delays.