Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Learn how subscriptions and in-app purchases work.

iPhone showing a list of apps. The words "in-app purchases" appear below the Get button.

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, consumable purchases, and non-consumable purchases.

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 Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, or HBO NOW.

Most 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 these items one time, and you can transfer them to other devices that are associated with your Apple ID. If you lose a non-consumable purchase, you might be able to download it again for free.

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 iPod touch that you started playing on your iPhone, the game levels sync, but extra health that you bought on your iPhone doesn't sync.

About sharing in-app purchases

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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