Apple Store Receipts
TL;DR
Server validation, also known as server-side receipt validation, is a process used to ensure that purchases made within an app are authentic.
What is Apple Store Receipts?
Related Terms
App Store Connect Shared Secret
The App-Specific Shared Secret from Apple is a distinctive 32-character key to receive receipts for auto-renewable in-app subscriptions.
StoreKit
Developers can use Apple's StoreKit framework to incorporate in-app purchases (IAPs) into their apps on iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The framework facilitates secure payment processing on behalf of the app, connecting with the AppStore and requesting user authorization for payments.
iOS In-App Purchases
In iOS, developers can enable users to purchase additional features or content within an app using in-app purchases, providing a way to monetize their apps beyond the initial purchase price or to offer a "freemium" model. Apple manages the payment process and deducts a commission, known as the "Apple tax", from the sales amount.
In-App Subscriptions
In-app subscriptions are a payment model in which users are charged on a recurring basis in exchange for access to premium content, exclusive features, or services. They are frequently used by developers as a way to monetize their apps by providing users with ad-free experiences or exclusive content.
Server-to-Server (S2S) Integration
Server-to-Server (S2S) integration refers to the direct communication between two backend systems without any client-side (browser or app) intermediary. In mobile app monetization and marketing, S2S integrations are used for real-time data exchange between a developer's backend and third-party services such as attribution providers, analytics platforms, payment processors, and ad networks. Common use cases include sending purchase events from a web checkout server to an MMP for attribution, forwarding subscription lifecycle events (renewals, cancellations, refunds) from a billing provider to an analytics platform, and transmitting conversion signals from a payment processor to advertising platforms for campaign optimization. S2S integrations are more reliable and privacy-compliant than client-side tracking methods because they don't depend on user-side factors like ad blockers, browser cookies, or SDK availability. For web-to-app flows, S2S architecture is particularly important — it enables the web payment system to communicate subscription status to the app's backend, which then provisions access for the user regardless of which platform or device they use.
