IAPs

Digital spending hooks

IAPs is short for in-app purchases—digital goods or features bought within a mobile application.

Games use IAPs for virtual currency, power-ups, or cosmetic items; productivity apps for premium features.

The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting exploitative monetization: The game is free but loaded with IAPs.

Also written as IAP when singular.

mobile

in-app purchases

Transactions within downloaded software

microtransactionsSmall payments within software
subscriptionsRecurring access agreements
consumablesItems requiring regular replacement

unlockables · paywalls · freemium · premium · coins · gems · loot boxes · bundles · App Store · Google Play

regulatory

refund

Money returned after purchase

childrenYoung human beings
parental controlsSettings limiting child access
disclosureAct of revealing information

FTC · legislation · transparency · consent · billing · disputes · predatory · gambling · age verification · spending limits

development

SDK

Programming tools bundle

entitlementsLegally guaranteed benefits
webhooksAutomated HTTP notifications
analyticsSystematic examination of datasets

A/B testing · conversion · retention · LTV · churn · onboarding · SKU

Opposites

monetization model

IAPsupfront pricing

Disclosed cost beforehand

one-time purchase · premium pricing · paid apps · ad-supported · freeware

pricing transparency

IAPsupfront pricing

Disclosed cost beforehand

fixed price · transparent pricing · sticker price

access model

IAPscomplete edition

Text without omissions

open access · freeware · ad-supported · shareware

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Abstract · Rated G