In-App Purchase in Flutter iOS platform - no subscriptions returns from AppStore

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05-10-2024

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In-App Purchases on Flutter iOS: Why You're Not Getting Subscriptions from the App Store

Flutter developers working on iOS often encounter a frustrating issue: in-app purchases, especially subscriptions, just won't come through from the App Store. This can leave users frustrated and developers scrambling to find solutions. This article explores the common culprits behind this problem and provides clear steps to troubleshoot and fix it.

Understanding the Problem:

Imagine you've diligently integrated in-app purchases into your Flutter app, but when a user tries to subscribe, the process just hangs, or the app doesn't receive any confirmation from the App Store. This frustrating scenario stems from a combination of factors:

• The intricate nature of Apple's In-App Purchase system: Apple has a strict and complex process for managing in-app purchases, requiring developers to adhere to specific guidelines and code structures.
• Potential misconfigurations: Even small errors in your Flutter code, or inconsistencies in your Apple developer account settings, can cause purchase requests to be rejected or ignored.
• Limited clarity in official documentation: The documentation surrounding in-app purchases, especially for Flutter developers, can be fragmented and sometimes lack detailed explanations.

Scenario: The Flutter Code and the Problem

Let's consider a common scenario: you're using a popular Flutter package like in_app_purchase to handle your in-app purchases. Your code might look something like this:

import 'package:in_app_purchase/in_app_purchase.dart';

class PurchaseService {
  final InAppPurchase _inAppPurchase = InAppPurchase.instance;

  Future<void> buySubscription() async {
    //  Retrieve subscription product details
    final ProductDetailsResponse productDetailsResponse = await _inAppPurchase.queryProductDetails({
      'com.yourcompany.app.subscription1',
    });

    // Handle potential errors in retrieving product details
    if (productDetailsResponse.error != null) {
      // Display error message to the user
      print(productDetailsResponse.error!.message);
      return;
    }

    // Make purchase request
    final PurchaseParam purchaseParam = PurchaseParam(
      productDetails: productDetailsResponse.productDetails[0],
      applicationUsername: null, // Optional
    );

    // Initiate purchase flow
    final PurchaseResult purchaseResult = await _inAppPurchase.buyNonConsumable(purchaseParam: purchaseParam);
  }
}

The Problem: This code might compile and run, but when a user tries to purchase the subscription, the transaction might fail silently, or the app might not receive a response from the App Store.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Here's a step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix the issue:

1. Check Your App Store Connect Configuration:

   • Product ID and Store Configuration: Verify that the product ID you're using in your code (com.yourcompany.app.subscription1) matches the product ID you've defined in your App Store Connect account.
   • Subscription Type: Make sure the product is correctly set up as a subscription in App Store Connect.
   • Sandbox Environment: Test your purchase flow thoroughly in the sandbox environment (App Store's testing environment) before releasing to production.

2. Inspect Your Flutter Code:

   • Package Compatibility: Use the latest stable versions of in_app_purchase and other relevant Flutter packages.
   • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling in your buySubscription function to capture and display specific error messages from the App Store.
   • Payment Request: Make sure your purchase request includes all necessary details, like the product ID, quantity, and any relevant identifiers.

3. Apple Developer Documentation:

   • In-App Purchase Guidelines: Thoroughly review Apple's In-App Purchase documentation to ensure you're adhering to all the latest guidelines and best practices.

4. Verification and Debugging:

   • Apple's Receipt Validation: Utilize Apple's Receipt Validation API to verify the purchase receipt after a successful transaction.
   • Logging: Use print statements or a dedicated logging mechanism to track the flow of purchase requests and responses throughout your app.

5. Additional Tips:

   • Use Apple's TestFlight: Test your app with real users in a controlled environment using TestFlight to identify issues early.
   • Community Support: Seek help from the Flutter community on forums like Stack Overflow or GitHub for specific troubleshooting and solutions.

Conclusion:

In-app purchases on Flutter iOS can be a complex but rewarding feature. By understanding the potential pitfalls and following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve issues with subscriptions and other in-app purchases, ensuring a smooth and successful user experience. Remember to stay updated on Apple's guidelines and utilize the vast resources available in the Flutter community.