Collecting Payment in HTML5 Apps on iOS and Android: Navigating IAP and Alternative Payment Systems

For web and mobile SaaS startups, having the option to provide a native, HTML5 app can be a game-changer. However, the process of collecting payment within these apps can vary significantly depending on the platform. This guide will help you understand how to handle this process, especially when you want to use a custom payment system alongside Apple's and Google's In-App Purchases (IAP).

Understanding Platform Restrictions: Apple and Google's IAP Policies

When developing an HTML5 app for both iOS and Android, it is essential to recognize the unique constraints each platform poses when it comes to in-app purchase management.

For iOS: Apple has strict policies regarding in-app payments, particularly for services that will be consumed outside of the application. You cannot use Apple’s In-App Purchase (IAP) for services that users can access outside the application, such as subscriptions or access to content. Instead, you must use a different payment service to collect payment for such services. For Android: The situation is less stringent compared to iOS. Google's Market policies do not explicitly forbid custom in-app payment systems, though you may need to configure your app through multiple app markets to comply with each market's specific requirements.

Given these restrictions, using a custom payment system is a viable option for managing payments for services in an HTML5 app.

Integration Strategies for iOS and Android

Since HTML5 apps often run within a native container, such as PhoneGap, the integration process for custom payment systems can be quite manageable. Here’s how you can handle it for both platforms:

For iOS: As mentioned, Apple’s IAP is not suitable for services that can be accessed outside the app. Therefore, you should consider integrating a third-party payment gateway. Popular options include Stripe, Braintree, or PayPal, which offer seamless integration with mobile apps and support for both iOS and Android. For Android: Android has more lenient policies, allowing for greater flexibility. You can either use a similar third-party payment gateway or leverage the fact that you can ship the app through multiple marketplaces with different payment methods, provided you comply with each marketplace's guidelines.

Using PhoneGap for Seamless Payment Integration

Given the flexibility of PhoneGap, it is possible to integrate a native payment SDK into your HTML5 app. PhoneGap allows you to write JavaScript code that interacts with native modules, enabling you to call native payment methods from within your web application. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Choose a native payment SDK that supports Android and iOS. Payment SDKs such as ZooZ or Paytm offer comprehensive support for both platforms and are easy to integrate. Install the required native modules in your PhoneGap project. This typically involves setting up the native SDK in your iOS and Android code. Write JavaScript code within your PhoneGap app to initiate the payment process. This code should handle the interaction between the user interface and the native payment SDK. Test the integration thoroughly on both iOS and Android devices to ensure a smooth user experience.

By following these steps, you can provide a seamless payment experience to your users across multiple platforms.

Consider Web Users as a Standalone Audience

A common approach for web-based SaaS startups is to view the HTML5 app as an add-on to their web service. In such cases, web users can access the app and be billed through the web platform. This model works well for businesses that have a primary web presence before expanding to a mobile app. Here’s how you can implement this:

Offer a subscription or trial period for your web users to try the app’s features. Provide instructions on how to download the app and access the premium features. Once users decide to use the app, charge them through the same payment gateway or process used on the web.

This approach ensures consistency in the payment experience and can be a more straightforward method for businesses that are initially focused on the web market.

Conclusion

Collecting payment within HTML5 apps requires a clear understanding of the platform-specific policies and the ability to integrate a custom payment system. While Apple’s restrictions are more stringent, Google offers more flexibility. By leveraging native payment SDKs and platforms like PhoneGap, you can create a seamless payment experience for your users. Additionally, using the web as a standalone billing method can be a viable and simpler solution for web-based startups.

Ultimately, the choice of payment method depends on your specific business model and target audience. By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that your HTML5 app can generate revenue effectively, both on iOS and Android platforms.