What does In-App-Purchases mean?

If you use mobile apps, you've definitely come across the term in-app-purchases, but you probably don't fully understand it either.

It is important to understand what in-app-purchases is, but not only to interact with it, but also to solve problems surrounding the apps you use.

What does in-app-purchases mean?

In-app-purchases can be understood as “buying a product or service from within a mobile app. For example, this definition can be understood through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.

E-commerce platforms have a lot of in-app-purchases

In addition, the phrase in-app-purchases can also be understood as "any kind of cost (other than the cost of loading the app - if any) that the app can charge users to pay". This definition may include applications that require a recurring fee.

When it comes to in-app-purchases, most people mean games or apps that allow users to buy special add-ons or premium versions of that app.

How does In-app-purchases work?

How in-app-purchases works depends on the circumstances. Most people have to add their debit / credit card information, and some apps accept electronic payment sites like PayPal.

Some commercial apps like Steam and Amazon let users use points earned from previous purchases for in-app-purchases.

Some apps allow "free in-app-purchases" by letting users spend the money they earn in the game when they complete a task.

Who controls in-app-purchases?

This question is actually quite difficult to answer.

In theory, the app store gives the application control over the working system. Apple and Android both have support policies for developers with in-app-purchases.

There are a number of laws that involve in-app-purchases. For example, the user must grant permission on a device before entering personal information to save in the app or on the device.

Who benefits from in-app-purchases?

Everyone benefits from in-app-purchases.

Both sides benefit from in-app-purchases

App developers profit from in-app-purchases because they generate income. This is also a way to help them advertise their products to users. Apps can still be profitable even though they've been downloaded with in-app-purchases.

App users benefit from in-app-purchases because they get extra features and services that cater to their intended use.

The weaknesses of in-app-purchases

If everyone benefits from in-app-purchases, why is it a potentially problematic problem? There are many reasons why in-app-purchases serve only one purpose.

They are too easy to use

One of the problems with in-app-purchases is that they're too easy to use. This can cause problems for parents, they can not control what their children bought from the application, until the new bill "panic".

Potential security problems

Most apps that support in-app-purchases require users to provide payment information. These information will be saved in the application and on the device to speed up the work in the future.

Although online banking platforms seem very careful with how payment information is stored, risks can happen at any time.

• Security for smartphones - how to be absolutely safe?

summary

Because we're all too familiar with the advent of everyday smartphones, in-app-purchases will also be a part of our lives. The decision to use or not is up to you and please calculate carefully before clicking payment.

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