There are four in-app purchase types. Consumables are used up and can be bought again, such as coins or credits. Non-consumables are bought once and kept forever, such as removing ads or unlocking a pro feature. Auto-renewable subscriptions charge on a schedule until cancelled. Non-renewing subscriptions give access for a fixed period without renewing. Choose the type that matches how users get value from what they buy.
Why the purchase type matters
The purchase type decides how the store handles billing, restoring purchases on a new device, refunds and reporting. Picking the wrong type creates support problems: a lifetime unlock set up as a consumable cannot be restored, and users who reinstall lose what they paid for.
It also shapes your business model. Consumables and subscriptions create repeat revenue; non-consumables create one-time revenue. Our guide on how to make money from an app compares the models.
Consumables
Consumables are items used up after purchase, such as game currency, extra lives, boosts, hints or credits for AI generations. Users can buy them again and again, and they are not restored on a new device because they were spent.
Track the balance on your own server so it survives reinstalls, and design pricing tiers so larger packs offer better value without making small packs feel like a trap.
Non-consumables
Non-consumables are bought once and owned permanently: removing ads, unlocking a premium filter pack, or a lifetime pro upgrade. The store lets users restore them on new devices, so your app needs a visible restore purchases option.
They suit apps where value is delivered once rather than continuously, and they are simple for users to understand.
Auto-renewable subscriptions
Auto-renewable subscriptions charge on a regular schedule, such as weekly, monthly or yearly, until the user cancels. They suit apps that deliver ongoing value: content, cloud services, fitness programs, productivity tools or AI features with running costs.
Both stores support free trials, introductory prices, subscription groups for tiers, and win-back offers. See subscription app pricing strategy for structuring plans.
Non-renewing subscriptions
Non-renewing subscriptions give access for a fixed period, such as a season pass or a three-month course, and do not renew automatically. Users must buy again to extend.
They fit time-boxed content, but you must manage the expiry date yourself and sync access across devices through your own account system.
Mixing types in one app
Many apps combine types: a subscription for core features plus consumables for extras, or a lifetime non-consumable alongside monthly and yearly subscriptions. Keep the offer simple enough that users understand what they get.
Our lifetime deal vs subscription guide covers when a one-time option helps.
Store rules to know
Digital goods and features unlocked in the app generally must use the store's billing system, with regional exceptions that change over time. Physical goods and real-world services usually use other payment methods.
Read App Store and Google Play fees and check the current guidelines for your countries before choosing a payment flow.
Showing purchases on your store listing
Both stores show that an app offers in-app purchases. On the App Store you can also promote specific in-app purchases on the product page, which can appear in search.
Our guide to promoted in-app purchases explains how to use them for discovery.
Testing and verification
Test every purchase type in the stores' sandbox or test tracks, including purchase, restore, renewal, cancellation and refund cases. Verify receipts or purchase tokens on your server rather than trusting the device alone.
Broken restore and renewal flows are a common cause of one-star reviews, so test them before every major release.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include using a consumable for a permanent unlock, hiding the restore option, charging a subscription for something that delivers no ongoing value, and making prices confusing across tiers.
Another is ignoring how purchases appear in reviews: unclear renewals lead to complaints that hurt ratings.
A worked example: a photo editor's purchase setup
A photo editing app sells a monthly and yearly subscription for all premium tools, a non-consumable to remove ads for users who do not want to subscribe, and consumable credits for AI background generation, which has a real cost per use.
Each type matches how value is delivered: ongoing tools, a one-time preference, and a metered cost. Support tickets about lost purchases fall once restore works for the ad removal and subscriptions.
Purchase types and family sharing
On the App Store, developers can enable Family Sharing for non-consumables and auto-renewable subscriptions, so family members get access without paying again. It can make an app more attractive to families and reduce refund requests.
Consumables cannot be shared. Decide per product whether sharing fits your business model.
Pricing each purchase type
Price consumables in packs that reward larger purchases, price non-consumables against the value of permanent access, and price subscriptions so the yearly plan offers a clear saving over monthly. Use the stores' price tiers and local pricing so each country sees sensible amounts.
Review prices at least yearly. Our App Store pricing and subscription messaging guide covers how to present prices on the listing.
How to do it, step by step
- Map how users get valueOngoing, one-time, metered or time-limited.
- Pick the matching purchase typeSubscription, non-consumable, consumable or non-renewing.
- Design simple tiersKeep the offer easy to understand.
- Build restore and server verificationProtect purchases across devices.
- Test every billing casePurchase, renewal, cancellation and refund.
Before and after examples
Illustrative examples written for a generic app in this category, not client results. Swap in your own product, audience, and data.
Set up as a consumable.
Set up as a non-consumable with restore.
Why it works: Permanent unlocks must restore on new devices.
Unlimited AI in a cheap one-time unlock.
Consumable credits or a subscription.
Why it works: Metered costs need repeat revenue.
Auto-renewing subscription.
Non-renewing subscription with clear end date.
Why it works: Time-boxed content should not renew unexpectedly.
Action plan
- Match type to value
- Offer a restore option
- Verify purchases server-side
- Keep tiers simple
- Test billing edge cases
- Explain renewals clearly
Metrics to monitor
- Conversion to paid
- Average revenue per paying user
- Restore success rate
- Refund rate
- Purchase-related review complaints
Record the baseline, release date, audience, markets, and external changes before interpreting movement. Rankings and conversion are useful signals, but a decision is stronger when activation, retention, and business value confirm that the page attracted the right users.
Frequently asked questions
What is a consumable in-app purchase?
An item that is used up and can be bought again, such as coins, credits or extra lives.
What is a non-consumable in-app purchase?
A one-time purchase the user keeps forever, such as removing ads or unlocking a feature.
What is the difference between auto-renewing and non-renewing subscriptions?
Auto-renewing subscriptions charge until cancelled; non-renewing ones give access for a fixed period without renewing.
Do consumables get restored on a new device?
No. Consumables are used up, so track balances on your own server.
Can one app use several purchase types?
Yes. Many apps combine subscriptions with consumables or a lifetime unlock.
Do in-app purchases affect ASO?
They appear on the listing, and promoted in-app purchases on the App Store can help discovery.
Keep reading
Go deeper on this topic
More in Monetization
Browse all 16 Monetization guides
