HACKER Q&A
📣 cyberpanther

Bypass App Store Subscription Fees?


Anyone have any suggestions on how to get around Apple App Store subscription fees? Netflix and Spotify do it, but also several smaller apps too. I can't seem to find the magic combo for Apple ignore it in an app I'm developing.

  👤 soulchild37 Accepted Answer ✓
In your app, don't put a link or any text that would lead or let user know they can make payment outside of App Store.

Set up an external website that registers/login user and process user payment there. Then in your app, require user login and then your app can communicate with the backend to check if the user is subscribed.

👤 muzani
One trick might be to just put a 10% higher price within the app, and lower off app. Consumers will think it's a mistake and spread the word. You can also send them an email telling them that they get a discount if they subscribe now.

On the other hand, some people prefer to pay within app. I don't trust many subscription services to be responsible with my credit card information, but Apple/Google have proven to have consumer protection. So you should probably do both.