Will I be able to use Stripe on my mobile app in 2025?
31 Jul 2025
In 2025, integrating Stripe into mobile apps has become a crucial issue for developers, especially after recent legal and policy changes affecting app distribution platforms. If you are considering using Stripe for your first mobile app, here is what you need to know.
App Store payment policies: yesterday and today
Traditional rules
Historically, the app payment ecosystem has always been tightly controlled. Apple's App Store required the use of StoreKit for digital products, while Google Play imposed its billing library for similar purchases. Both platforms took between 15% and 30% of each transaction, and alternative payment methods were mostly prohibited.
The turning point of 2025
The Epic Games v. Apple case profoundly changed this landscape. The court ruled that Apple could no longer prevent apps from including links to external payment systems for digital purchases. This opened up new opportunities for Stripe in terms of in-app purchases, at least in the United States.
When can you use Stripe for in-app purchases?
The answer depends on several factors: the platform, your app's category, and the specific use case.
1. Physical goods and real-world services
Yes, you can use Stripe for in-app purchases. If your app sells physical products (clothing, electronics, books) or real-world services (errands, housekeeping, meal delivery), you are free to use Stripe or any other payment processor. These transactions have always been exempt from App Store payment requirements.
2. Digital content for external use
Yes, under certain conditions. Google Play allows you to use Stripe for in-app purchases if you sell digital products intended for use outside of your app. For example, if you sell a magazine subscription, you can use Stripe to manage those in-app purchases.
3. Multi-platform subscriptions (web + app model)
Yes, but with strategic implementation. In many cases, developers sell subscriptions both in the app and on the web. You can use Stripe for in-app purchases to process online payments, then unlock access to the subscription or digital product on every device connected to the user.
4. US apps after April 2025
Yes, with proper implementation. Following the court ruling in April 2025, Stripe shared documentation showing iOS developers how to avoid Apple's commission by accepting payments via Stripe for in-app purchases outside their apps. Apps on the US App Store can now include a button or link to their own website's payment page, and Apple cannot take a commission.
Future prospects: the future of mobile payments
The April 2025 decision marks a significant change in how developers approach payment processing. In the future, we can expect more payment options and a shift in consumer behaviour. Apps will increasingly offer multiple payment methods, with external options being presented as cost-effective alternatives to native systems.
Is Stripe suitable for your application?
The answer depends on your specific situation:
For physical goods or real services: Yes, feel free to use Stripe. This option has always been permitted and remains the simplest use case.
For digital products in the United States after May 2025: Yes, you can now link to an external payment. The new regulations give you the freedom to redirect users to Stripe from your application.
For international digital goods: Follow the specific guidelines for each platform. Each region has different rules, so it is important to be well informed or to use region-specific implementations.
For subscription-based businesses: Consider a hybrid approach. Offer both native IAP and Stripe options to maximise conversion and minimise platform fees.
The landscape is shifting in favour of developer choice and flexibility. By staying informed about the latest platform policies and implementing payment systems strategically, you can optimise the user experience and your bottom line.
Next step: Evaluate your app category, target regions, and technical resources to determine if Stripe integration is right for you. If so, consider using integration platforms such as RevenueCat, Adapty, or Superwall to speed up implementation.
