Stripe’s Guide: Helping iOS Developers Bypass App Store Commission

Stripe is showing iOS developers how they can navigate the complexities of Apple’s App Store commission. Understanding these strategies can significantly impact your revenue and business model. This article will guide you through the methods Stripe outlines.

Understanding the App Store Commission

Apple’s App Store typically takes a 30% commission on in-app purchases, which can be a substantial cut for developers. However, certain types of transactions and business models can potentially avoid this fee. Stripe provides valuable insights on how to structure your business to take advantage of these opportunities. You can also refer to Apple’s official guidelines for clarity on allowed exemptions.

Strategies to Avoid the Commission

• Offer Subscriptions Outside the App: Encourage users to sign up for subscriptions on your website instead of through the app. You can provide incentives or exclusive offers for web subscriptions.
• Focus on Physical Goods and Services: The App Store commission primarily applies to digital goods and services. If your app facilitates the purchase of physical products or services consumed outside the app, the commission may not apply.
• Use In-App Credits for Purchases: Allow users to buy credits through the app that they can then use to purchase digital content or services elsewhere.

Stripe’s Role in Facilitating Payments

Stripe offers a suite of tools that simplify managing payments outside the App Store environment. From payment processing to subscription management, Stripe helps developers create a seamless user experience while avoiding unnecessary fees. For instance, you can use Stripe Payments to handle web-based subscriptions, and Stripe Billing to manage recurring charges effectively.

Implementing Web-Based Subscriptions

Directing users to a web-based subscription model allows you to bypass the App Store’s in-app purchase system. Here’s a basic outline:

1. Create a Subscription Page: Develop a dedicated page on your website where users can sign up for subscriptions.
2. Promote the Web Option: Clearly promote the web subscription option within your app, highlighting any benefits such as exclusive content or lower prices.
3. Use Stripe for Payment Processing: Integrate Stripe to handle payments securely and efficiently.