Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Discover the different types of subscriptions and other in-app purchases, and learn how to buy them.

What are in-app purchases?

In-app purchases are extra content or subscriptions that you buy inside an app. Not all apps offer in-app purchases. To check if an app offers in-app purchases before you buy or download it, find it in the App Store. Then look for "In-App Purchases" near the app's price or Get button.

There are three types of in-app purchases — subscriptions, non-consumable purchases, and consumable purchases.

On an iPhone, the App Store is open and is showing an app that has In-App Purchases, which is noted next to the Get button.

What is a subscription?

With a subscription, you pay to access content from an app or service for a period of time. For example, you might subscribe to Apple Music on a monthly basis. Subscriptions include services that you sign up for in an app, such as a video or music streaming service.

Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel them. With some apps and services, you can choose how often the subscription renews. For example, you might be offered weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscriptions.

See a list of your subscriptions or cancel a subscription

What is a non-consumable in-app purchase?

Here are examples of non-consumable in-app purchases:

  • Remove ads

  • Full game unlock

  • Upgrade to pro edition

  • Bonus game levels

You buy non-consumable in-app purchases once. When you use Apple In-App Purchase to buy them, you can use these items on any device associated with your Apple Account and you might be able to restore them for free if they get lost.

Restore your in-app purchase

What is a consumable in-app purchase?

Here are examples of consumable in-app purchases:

  • Game currency, such as coins or gems

  • Extra health points in a game

  • A package of exports to a new file format

You need to buy these items every time you want them, and you can't download them again for free. If you remove and reinstall an app or install an app on a new device, you might lose your consumable purchases. For example, if you install a game on your iPad that you started playing on your iPhone, the game levels sync, but extra health that you bought on your iPhone doesn't sync.

How do I make an in-app purchase?

Apple In-App Purchase is a simple way to make and manage your App Store purchases. With Apple In-App Purchase, you can access and manage subscriptions with your Apple Account, get support from AppleCare, use parental controls like Ask to Buy, and more.

Some apps offer alternative purchases outside of Apple's ecosystem and aren't supported by Apple. Learn more about purchases not billed through the App Store or Apple In-App Purchase.

Learn more

For more information about subscriptions and in-app purchases, see the Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions.

Store availability and features might vary by country or region. Learn what's available in your country or region.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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