Have you faced the challenges imposed by Apple's in-app payment ecosystem? One of the consequences can even be the denial of your app's App Store listing. But there are solutions, and in this article, you'll discover how to optimize the checkout experience while adhering to Apple's strict rules but still maintaining control over the relationship you want to cultivate with your customers and the billing process. Let's see how our checkout solution that avoids in-app payments can help!
Pre-deployment customer problem
For many businesses, especially in subscription-based services, effectively integrating with the Apple ecosystem is a significant challenge. Before implementing our solution, customers were facing several challenges that affected both the user experience and revenue generation management. In brief, the issues were as follows:
1. Lack of a smooth user experience
Customers already had functional websites to manage subscriptions, but these platforms were not effectively connected with mobile apps. The registration and payment process were often fragmented, leading to high transaction abandonment rates.
2. In-app checkout process inefficient
Users were unable to complete payments directly in the app due to Apple's strict requirements to use their own payment system. This limited the options available and reduced business flexibility.
3. Lack of control over billing and refunds
Customers did not have complete control over the billing process or the direct relationship with end-users.
4. Compliance with Apple rules
Apple's strict in-app transaction rules brought uncertainty and risk to the business. Customers were looking for a solution that complied with Apple's policies but allowed them to retain flexibility and control.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, we developed a customized solution that has two key strengths: compliance with Apple policies and the flexibility needed to maintain control over the payment process and end-user relationship. Here's what we think are its strengths:
- The app-to-site transition for checkout. The proposed solution allows users to initiate the subscription process directly from the app, but complete payment on an external site, optimized for a fast and seamless checkout experience. This approach complies with Apple's rules while giving businesses more control over the process.
- External payment integration. We developed a workflow that allows customers to use their own payment processing solutions. This way, businesses retain control over revenue management and billing options.
- Complete control of the billing process and user relationships. Customers maintain a direct relationship with end-users, without intermediaries. This facilitates personalized subscription management, support and direct communication with users.
- Apple compliance. We've eliminated the risks associated with using methods that could violate those rules. By integrating an external payment workflow, businesses maintain flexibility without compromising compliance.
- Scalability and ease of deployment. Our solution is "out-of-the-box" and can be quickly adapted to different types of businesses, whether operating in local or international markets. Customers benefit from an efficient implementation and a system ready to support their business growth.
- Subscription renewals outside the app. The solution allows direct management of the subscription renewal process, which can be handled exclusively outside the application - for example, it can be initiated with an email.
With this solution, we've been able to turn Apple ecosystem challenges into growth opportunities, giving customers total control, compliance and an improved user experience.
How our solution works
Designed to simplify the payment and subscription process for users, it provides a seamless experience that complies with Apple's rules and maintains control for app owners. Here's how it works:
1. User flow from app to site
- The user opens the app and selects the subscription option.
- Instead of completing the process in the app, the user is directed to the payment page on the customer's website. This process is designed to be intuitive and seamless, reducing the risk of abandonment.
2. On-site payment process
- Once on the website, the user completes the subscription and payment process using the existing infrastructure of the website/online shop.
- The system enables fast and secure payments, including multiple payment options adaptable to the needs of each market.
3. Back-end integration between website and Apple
- The website communicates via dedicated APIs with the Reea server, which manages the link between the client systems and the Apple ecosystem.
- Backend notifications are sent to Apple to document the initiation, completion or abandonment of payments, meeting compliance requirements.
4. Direct control and management
- All transactions are processed by the customer's system, retaining control over user relationships
- User billing is handled directly, without Apple intervention, as is support and subscription administration.
5. Compatibility and scalability
- Our system is compatible with multiple markets (including EU and US) and can handle payments in different currencies.
- The workflow is designed to be scalable, easily adapting to business growth needs.
Example user journey
- The user accesses the app and selects a subscription.
- Is directed to the payment page on the customer's website.
- Finalizes payment through web infrastructure.
- Apple receives notifications of actions through the Reea system, maintaining compliance.
Conclusions
Whether we are talking about new applications or existing ones, the implementation of this system is simple and adaptable, requiring no major changes in design or functionality. For existing applications or those that already have a finalized design, integrating the solution simply involves adding an additional button that directs users to the checkout page on the website. This means the overall app experience remains intact and the implementation process is quick and hassle-free. For this reason, the system is ideal for:
- New applications - where integration can be planned from the outset to align with business strategy.
- Existing applications - where the solution can be deployed with minimal intervention, retaining current design and functionality.
With this system, customers benefit from an efficient payment workflow that adheres to Apple's strict guidelines while maintaining control over the user relationship and billing process. If the time has come for you to simplify and optimize your app's processes, let's chat!
