Apple is known for its 30% commission and strict rules have pushed many developers to rethink how they accept payments. If you’re ready to migrate from Apple App Store to Stripe, you’re not alone. Stripe offers more flexibility, better control over customer relationships, and fewer restrictions on pricing and subscriptions. But moving your app payments off the App Store takes planning—and the right tools to prevent payment disputes along the way.
Let’s go step-by-step through how to migrate app payments from App Store to Stripe, what to expect during the transition, and how to keep your Stripe chargeback rate low with Chargeblast.
Why Migrate from Apple App Store to Stripe
Apple’s payment system works fine—until it doesn’t. It’s built for simplicity, not flexibility. Developers often find themselves boxed in when trying to:
- Offer custom subscription tiers or trials
- Collect customer data for remarketing or analytics
- Reduce the 30% App Store transaction fee
- Manage disputes directly instead of relying on Apple’s opaque system
Stripe, on the other hand, gives you direct access to payment flows, customer data, and billing flexibility. You can set up recurring payments, one-time charges, or custom checkout pages that match your brand.
And the biggest benefit? You actually own your customer relationship.
Preparing to Migrate Your App Payments
Before cutting ties with the App Store, a few key steps will make the migration smoother.
1. Identify current dependencies
- Review your in-app purchase setup.
- List APIs or SDKs that connect to Apple’s payment system.
- Note what data you’ll lose once you stop using Apple’s in-app purchases.
2. Choose how Stripe integrates with your app
Stripe offers:
- Stripe Checkout for simple hosted pages
- Payment Links for quick setup
- Stripe Elements for custom payment forms
- Billing API for subscription management
3. Prepare customer migration flow
Let users know that payments will move outside the App Store. This transparency helps maintain trust and reduce confusion when charges look “different” on bank statements.
4. Update your app’s UI
Apple’s rules don’t allow apps to directly link to outside payment systems. You may need to guide users via email, browser, or in-app message (depending on Apple’s latest policy changes).
Step-by-Step: Migrate from Apple App Store to Stripe
Step 1: Disable auto-renewing subscriptions
Stop Apple subscriptions before they renew so customers aren’t double-charged.
Step 2: Export user data
Collect subscription details and email addresses (if available) to import into Stripe. Apple limits access to this data, so gather what you can before deactivation.
Step 3: Set up Stripe products
Recreate your pricing tiers, coupons, and billing intervals in Stripe Dashboard or via API.
Step 4: Move users to new billing links
Send existing subscribers an email or push notification to resubscribe using Stripe. Incentivize the switch with discounts or added perks.
Step 5: Monitor disputes and refunds
Once payments move to Stripe, disputes may come directly to you. Tools like Chargeblast automate dispute responses and help keep your chargeback rate under control.
Stripe vs Apple App Store Payments
If owning your data and reducing fees sound appealing, the choice is clear. Stripe offers more control—but with that comes more responsibility for handling fraud and chargebacks.
Lower Stripe Chargeback Rate During Migration
Transition periods attract chargebacks. Customers might not recognize the new charge description, or forget they signed up again via Stripe.
Here’s how to lower your Stripe chargeback rate:
- Use clear billing descriptors. Match your app’s name to avoid confusion.
- Send email confirmations. Notify users after each charge or renewal.
- Offer visible refund options. Make refunds easier than disputes.
- Monitor early dispute signals. Use tools that detect suspicious activity.
- Automate your dispute defense. That’s where Chargeblast helps.
Common Migration Mistakes
- Rushing the switch: Keep both systems running briefly while users transition.
- Ignoring Apple’s policies: Apple can reject app updates that push users too aggressively toward external payments.
- Poor communication: Not telling users about the change leads to refund requests and chargebacks.
- Skipping fraud filters: Stripe doesn’t protect you automatically like Apple does; set up extra verification layers.
Conclusion
Migrating from Apple App Store to Stripe gives you freedom over pricing, payments, and customer data. It’s not complicated, but it does require attention to detail—especially during the handover. Once your users move to Stripe, managing payments becomes faster and far more flexible.
And with tools like Chargeblast, you can keep your Stripe chargeback rate low even as you scale.
FAQ: Migrate from Apple App Store to Stripe with Chargeblast
Can I migrate in-app purchases directly from Apple to Stripe?
Not directly. Apple does not provide a direct migration API. You’ll need to ask users to resubscribe using Stripe’s checkout or payment links.
Will Apple allow me to use Stripe inside my iOS app?
Apple recently relaxed its rules for certain apps, but restrictions still apply. Typically, you can’t process payments inside the iOS app, but you can link to a browser-based Stripe checkout.
What happens to existing App Store subscriptions?
They continue until canceled. Once canceled, users will have to re-subscribe through Stripe.
Is Stripe safer than Apple’s payment system?
Both are secure, but Stripe gives you more control and visibility over disputes and fraud prevention. Apple hides much of this behind its system.
Can I use Chargeblast with Stripe payments?
Yes. Chargeblast integrates with Stripe to automatically detect, fight, and reduce chargebacks using real-time dispute defense technology.
Keep Chargebacks in Check While You Switch
Switching platforms doesn’t have to come with a chargeback spike. Chargeblast helps merchants migrating from Apple App Store to Stripe monitor disputes, block risky transactions, and respond automatically to chargeback claims before they affect your account.
Protect your Stripe account during migration. Book a demo with us today and start lowering your chargeback rate instantly.
