Paddle and RevenueCat Launch Alternative to Apple In-App Purchases

In a significant shift for app monetization, payments and subscription infrastructure providers Paddle and RevenueCat have joined forces to create an alternative to Apple’s in-app purchase system. This new integration emerges in response to a recent U.S. App Store policy change that permits developers to process their own payments, a landmark decision stemming from the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit against Apple.

The collaboration enables app users to make purchases seamlessly across web and mobile platforms. Paddle takes charge of web-specific payments, handling complex tax and compliance requirements, while RevenueCat provides developers with comprehensive subscription data and performance analytics across all platforms. This means a user can subscribe once on the web or mobile and enjoy uninterrupted access to their subscription on any device.

This development is a direct consequence of District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling, which, while not declaring Apple a monopolist, mandated that developers be allowed to link out to web payment options without paying Apple commissions. This ruling opens the door for apps to offer web-based purchase links, a first for iOS applications in the U.S.

The integration also centralizes subscription data in the RevenueCat dashboard, giving developers real-time insights into subscription performance across web, iOS, and Android. This unified view simplifies management and helps optimize monetization strategies.

Apps like Runna are already leveraging services from both providers, benefiting from a smoother transition to web monetization. Jimmy Fitzgerald, CEO of Paddle, highlights the opportunity for subscription apps to expand revenue by embracing web platforms, despite the technical and operational challenges this shift entails.

Jacob Eiting, RevenueCat’s CEO, emphasizes that partnering with Paddle enables developers to offer web-based payments alongside traditional app store options, enhancing flexibility and control over monetization.

Why This Matters for Developers

This new payment integration offers developers a powerful tool to diversify revenue streams beyond Apple’s ecosystem. By enabling web payments, developers can avoid hefty commissions and gain direct access to customer subscription data, empowering them to tailor offerings and improve user retention.

Moreover, the seamless cross-platform subscription access enhances user experience, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of subscription renewals. For businesses, this means more predictable revenue and better customer insights.

In a market where subscription models dominate app monetization, this integration represents a strategic advantage. It’s a timely response to regulatory changes and a glimpse into the future of app payments, where flexibility and developer control take center stage.