App-to-web: navigating external purchases in iOS and Android apps

In recent years, Apple and Google have allowed developers to use external purchase flows for in-app subscriptions, enabling app teams to bypass store fees and experiment with pricing and promotions, primarily due to legal pressures like the Epic Games v. Apple case and the EU's Digital Markets Act. Despite the opportunity for app-to-web purchase models, the landscape is complex, with varying regulations across regions and app categories. Developers can choose between incorporating external web links or third-party in-app payment gateways, each with its own set of rules and commissions, such as Apple's requirement for special entitlements and Google Play's User Choice Billing. RevenueCat offers a streamlined solution for those seeking to implement web checkout options, providing tools for seamless integration and conversion optimization without the need for separate web billing systems. The evolving guidelines necessitate ongoing compliance efforts, and developers are encouraged to remain flexible and informed as they adapt to these changes.