Subscription-based apps are among the most tightly regulated by app stores.
This framework imposes strict rules that deeply influence mobile app design.
When in-app purchase becomes mandatory
As soon as a subscription grants access to digital content or services, in-app purchases are required.
This also applies to apps built on existing websites.
What stores actually allow
Some scenarios are tolerated, such as access through an existing external account.
However, direct incentives to pay outside the app are tightly controlled.
The line between acceptance and rejection is often unclear.
Heavy implications for small projects
Subscription management, customer support and compliance quickly become complex.
For WordPress or handcrafted projects, this overhead can be disproportionate.
This ties into the discussion about real mobile app costs:
costs to anticipate on a WordPress app.
Why some projects choose another path
Given these constraints, some projects avoid in-app subscriptions altogether.
This reduces risk but positions the app as an access layer rather than a sales channel.