Can you use Stripe instead of Apple or Google in-app purchase in your app?
Ship ItChecked against the official sourceNot legal advice.
Source checked 10 Oct 2026 · Published 23 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)
The short answer
It depends on what the payment unlocks. Apple's App Review Guidelines (3.1.1): to unlock features or functionality within your app, like subscriptions or premium content, you must use in-app purchase. For physical goods or services used outside the app (3.1.3(e)), you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase, such as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry. Google Play is similar: in-app features and digital content use Google Play's billing, and physical goods must not.
What to do
- List everything users can pay for in your app.
- Mark each item as a digital feature used inside the app, or a physical good or real-world service.
- On the US App Store, apps may also include buttons and external links to other purchase methods, like your own web checkout.
- Ask your AI tool: "List everything users can pay for in this app. Mark each item as a digital feature used inside the app or a physical good or real-world service, and tell me which payment method Apple and Google allow for each."
Good to know
- Google Play lists exceptions, and developers in eligible countries or regions may offer alternative billing by enrolling in Google's programs.
- Apple has other exceptions that this page doesn't cover.
- Rules change. Check the current Apple and Google guidelines before you ship.
Source
Checked on 10 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them. Not legal advice.