Skip to main content

What is an In-App Purchase?

in-app-purchase

  • In-app purchases (IAPs) allow users buy digital content, features, or services within a mobile app.
  • These purchases are made through the relevant app store or another payment system, using real money.

Fun Facts About In-App Purchases

  • 💰 Global Spending Boom – consumers spent over $380 billion on in-app purchases worldwide!
  • 🎮 Gaming Dominates – Mobile games generate over 60% of total in-app purchase revenue, with games like PUBG Mobile.
  • 📈 Subscription Growth – Subscription-based apps (like Netflix, Tinder, and YouTube Premium) account for over 90% of IAP revenue on the App Store.
  • 🌎 Regional Trends – China, the U.S., and Japan are the top three markets for in-app purchases, contributing to more than half of global app revenue.
FYI
  • In-app purchase and Apple Pay are different technologies.
  • Use in-app purchase to sell virtual goods in your app, such as premium content for your app and subscriptions for digital content.
  • Use Apple Pay in your app to sell physical goods like groceries, clothing, and appliances.