Flutter

A native mobile app refers to a type of smartphone application that is developed and programmed specifically for a particular operating system, such as iOS or Android, using a dedicated programming language such as Objective C for iOS or Java for Android.

A hybrid app is a type of mobile application that combines elements of both native and web apps. It is built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but is wrapped in a native container that allows it to be installed from app stores and access device-specific features like push notifications, camera, and GPS.

An In-app purchases SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of tools, code libraries, and documentation provided by a developer platform, such as Apple or Google, that allows app developers to integrate the ability for users to make purchases within their app.

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.

Google Play Billing is Google's required payment system for in-app purchases and subscriptions distributed through the Google Play Store. It handles transaction processing, receipt verification, subscription lifecycle management (renewals, cancellations, grace periods, holds), and revenue reporting. Google charges a commission of 15% on the first $1 million in annual revenue earned through the Play Store, and 30% on revenue above that threshold. For subscriptions specifically, Google reduced its commission to 15% for all subscription revenue starting in January 2022, recognizing the importance of recurring relationships. The Google Play Billing Library provides APIs for querying available products, launching purchase flows, acknowledging purchases, and handling subscription state changes. Like Apple's StoreKit, Google Play Billing abstracts the complexity of payment processing across regions, currencies, and payment methods. However, regulatory pressure — particularly in the EU, South Korea, and India — has led Google to allow alternative billing options in certain markets, enabling developers to process payments through third-party systems while still distributing their apps on the Play Store, sometimes with a reduced commission.