As the digital world becomes more regulated, accessibility is emerging as a critical compliance and design requirement—especially for mobile applications. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) set to take full effect by June 28, 2025, now is the time for product teams, developers, and mobile-first businesses to get ready.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA is an EU directive that requires certain products and services—including mobile apps—to be accessible to people with disabilities. It aligns national rules across EU member states, reducing fragmentation and enabling a more unified approach to digital accessibility.

Under the Act, mobile applications in key industries must meet technical accessibility standards. Affected sectors include:

• E-commerce
• Banking and financial services
• Transportation (ticketing, booking apps)
• Telecommunications
• E-books and media services
• Public services and utilities

Even non-EU companies distributing apps in the EU will be required to comply.

Technical Standards: What Does "Accessible" Mean?

To comply with the EAA, mobile apps must follow harmonized European standards, which currently point to:

• EN 301 549: The European standard for ICT accessibility requirements.
• WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which also apply to mobile content.
• ISO/IEC 40500: The international version of WCAG 2.0, still relevant in many testing frameworks.

These standards translate into tangible mobile development requirements:

1. Screen Reader Support

• Use platform-native accessibility APIs (UIAccessibility for iOS, AccessibilityNodeInfo for Android).
• Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, images) have descriptive labels via contentDescription, accessibilityLabel, etc.

2. Keyboard and Switch Navigation

• Ensure users can navigate the app using external keyboards, switch controls, or voice commands.
• Avoid focus traps and ensure logical tab ordering.

3. Color and Contrast

• Maintain minimum contrast ratios (4.5:1 for text under WCAG 2.1 AA).
• Avoid conveying information through color alone—use labels or icons in tandem.

4. Text Scaling and Zoom

• Support system font scaling preferences.
• Avoid fixed layout sizes that break with larger text.

5. Touch Target Size

• Ensure tappable elements are at least 44x44dp (Apple) or 48x48dp (Google).
• Provide sufficient spacing to prevent input errors.

6. Error Handling and Feedback

• Provide accessible error messages (e.g., via ARIA live regions or native equivalents).
• Clearly indicate validation issues without relying on red text alone.

Development & Testing Workflow

Implementing accessibility at scale means shifting left and baking it into the dev lifecycle. Here’s how:

✅ Design Phase

• Use Figma or Sketch accessibility plugins to test contrast and semantics.
• Annotate designs with accessibility specs (e.g., labels, roles, keyboard behavior).

✅ Development Phase

• Use linters and accessibility checkers like Accessibility Scanner (Android), Xcode Accessibility Inspector (iOS).
• Implement automated tests using tools like axe DevTools, Detox, or Appium with a11y assertions.

✅ QA Phase

• Include manual testing with screen readers: VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android).
• Consider diverse testers, including those with real accessibility needs.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

By 2025, EU member states will begin enforcing compliance. Consequences include:

• Fines and penalties, depending on national enforcement
• Blocked app distribution in the EU market
• Legal challenges or consumer complaints
• Reputational risk and loss of customer trust

Final Thoughts: Accessibility as a Competitive Advantage

The EAA isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building inclusive, user-friendly apps that work for everyone. Companies that start early will avoid technical debt, improve app quality, and tap into underserved markets.

If you’re building mobile apps for the EU, accessibility needs to be part of your development strategy today—not next year.

Need to make sure your paywall screens are accessible?

The Nami platform helps you build and manage native, dynamic paywall experiences that are fully WCAG-compliant—no custom code required. From screen reader support to proper semantic structure, we’ve baked accessibility into every layer. Let us help you meet the European Accessibility Act requirements without compromising on design or conversion.

Get in touch to future-proof your monetization experience.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken a bold step to protect consumers from subscription traps and complex cancellation processes. The Click-to-Cancel rule is regulation aimed at ensuring businesses make it just as easy for consumers to cancel a subscription as it was to sign up. This rule is part of a broader effort to crack down on deceptive practices that lead to consumer frustration and financial loss.​ The rule took effect on January 14, 2025. Businesses will have until May 14, 2025, to comply with the rule's comprehensive requirements.

What Is the Click-to-Cancel Rule?

The Click-to-Cancel rule mandates that companies offering subscriptions or recurring charges must provide a simple, online cancellation process. If a customer signs up for a service online, they must be able to cancel it through an equally straightforward online method—without unnecessary hurdles like phone calls, lengthy forms, or misleading retention tactics.

Key Provisions of the Rule

1. Easy Cancellation: If you can subscribe with one click, you should be able to cancel with one click (or at least an equally simple process).
2. No Hidden Steps: Businesses cannot require customers to navigate through excessive pages, prompts, or retention offers before cancellation.
3. Annual Renewal Reminders: For services with annual billing, businesses must send consumers a reminder before the next charge.
4. Clear Disclosures and Consent: Companies must disclose material terms in a clear, upfront manner before the customer subscribes.

Impact on Consumers

For consumers, this rule is a major win. Many people have experienced the frustration of attempting to cancel a subscription, only to be met with obstacles like automated phone menus, pushy sales tactics, or endless redirect loops. The Click-to-Cancel rule helps eliminate these predatory tactics, ensuring consumers can exit a subscription as easily as they entered it.

Impact on Businesses

While businesses that rely on subscription revenue may see initial challenges in compliance, the new rule can also build greater consumer trust and loyalty. Companies that provide an honest and transparent cancellation process are likely to foster better relationships with their customers, leading to higher retention in the long run.

Enforcement and Penalties

The FTC has signaled that it will aggressively enforce this rule, with penalties for non-compliance potentially reaching thousands of dollars per violation. Companies that fail to follow the Click-to-Cancel rule risk legal action, consumer complaints, and reputational damage.

Looking Ahead

The Click-to-Cancel rule reflects a growing shift towards consumer-friendly policies in the digital economy. As regulators continue to prioritize fairness and transparency, businesses should proactively adjust their subscription models to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction.

When it comes to optimizing app monetization, even small changes can lead to significant revenue growth. One of the simplest yet most effective tweaks you can make? Personalizing your paywall by adding the user’s first name.

In fact, research shows that personalizing your paywall can improve conversion rates by up to 17%. But why does this work, and how can you implement it in your app? Let’s dive in.

Why Personalization Boosts Conversions

People respond better to experiences that feel tailored to them. That’s why personalized emails, ads, and product recommendations drive higher engagement. The same principle applies to paywalls. Here’s why adding a user’s first name to your paywall can make a big difference:

1. Builds Trust and Familiarity

When users see their own name, the experience feels more personal. This creates a sense of connection and trust, making them more comfortable with subscribing.

2. Increases Engagement

A generic paywall can feel transactional, while a personalized one feels like a conversation. Instead of seeing a generic message like "Upgrade now!", users see something like "John, unlock your premium experience today!"—which is more compelling.

3. Reduces Decision Fatigue

Users are bombarded with choices every day. A personalized experience makes the decision to subscribe feel easier by subtly signaling that this offer was made for them.

How to Implement a Personalized Paywall

The good news? Adding personalization to your paywall is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Capture the User’s First Name

Most apps already collect the user’s name during the signup process. If your app doesn’t, consider asking for it early on to enable personalization.

2. Dynamically Insert the Name into Your Paywall Copy

Use a simple dynamic text field to insert the user’s first name into the paywall. For example:

• Generic Paywall: “Subscribe now and unlock all premium features.”
• Personalized Paywall: “John, unlock all premium features today!”

3. Test and Optimize

Run A/B tests to see how a personalized paywall performs against a generic one. Track conversion rates and refine your messaging to maximize results.

Final Thoughts

Personalization is a small but powerful tool in your subscription monetization strategy. By simply adding a user’s first name to your paywall, you can create a more engaging, trust-building experience that leads to higher conversions.

Want to see this strategy in action? Watch our full YouTube video where we break it down step by step!

📺 Watch the Video Here

For more app monetization insights, stay tuned and follow us on YouTube or LinkedIn the latest subscription growth strategies.

Why Testing In-App Purchases is Crucial

Testing in-app purchases (IAPs) is vital because it ensures that your app’s revenue-generating features work seamlessly. If your purchase flow doesn’t function properly, it can result in failed transactions, frustration among users, and lost revenue. Thoroughly testing IAP functionality helps identify issues before they affect your users and guarantees compliance with the Google Play guidelines.

Additionally, robust IAP testing also contributes to user trust and satisfaction. If users can’t rely on your purchase flow, it may harm your app’s reputation, leading to negative reviews and high churn rates. Therefore, ensuring that the payment process is smooth, secure, and user-friendly is key to long-term app success.

How to Set Up In-App Purchase Testing on Android

Using Google Play Console for Testing

The Google Play Console provides several features to help developers test in-app purchases before launching their apps to the public. To begin testing:

1. Enable Google Play Billing: Ensure that your app is set up with Google Play Billing, which allows you to process in-app purchases. This includes integrating the Google Play Billing Library into your Android app, configuring your products in the Google Play Console, and enabling in-app purchase functionality for your app.
2. Create Test Accounts: In the Google Play Console, set up license test accounts. These accounts allow you to simulate purchases without actually being charged. You can test the entire purchase flow, including transactions, receipt verification, and item delivery.
3. Configure In-App Products: Define your in-app products in the Google Play Console, whether they are subscriptions, one-time purchases, or virtual goods. Ensure the product IDs you use in your app match those set up in the Console.
4. Test Purchase Flow: Using your test account, you can now simulate purchases to ensure the purchase flow is smooth. Test subscriptions, consumable purchases, and non-consumable items to ensure each behaves as expected.
5. Transaction Verification: Verify the transaction by checking the purchase receipt and ensuring the app behaves appropriately when receiving the purchase data from the Google Play Store.

👉Read More: The Power of Cross-Platform Subscriptions: How to Enhance Customer Retention and Boost Revenue

Testing with the Android Emulator

For developers who want to test in-app purchases without using a physical device, the Android Emulator offers a great alternative. Here’s how to use it:

1. Set Up the Emulator: Start by configuring an Android Virtual Device (AVD) using Android Studio. Make sure your emulator is configured with the necessary Google Play services to support in-app purchases.
2. Install Your App on the Emulator: After setting up the emulator, install your app on it just as you would on a physical device. Ensure that the app has been integrated with Google Play Billing and that the product IDs are correctly configured.
3. Test Purchases in the Emulator: Once the app is installed, simulate purchases using the emulator. You can use a test Google account in the emulator to simulate transactions without incurring any actual charges. This allows you to test how the app responds to successful purchases, failed transactions, and errors.
4. Simulate Different Purchase Scenarios: The emulator allows you to test various purchase scenarios, including subscription renewals, restored purchases, and purchase failures (such as declined payments). This gives you an in-depth understanding of how the app handles each case.

Using Real Android Devices for IAP Testing

While the Android Emulator is useful for initial tests, real device testing is crucial to ensure that in-app purchases perform well in actual environments. Here’s how to test IAPs on real devices:

1. Set Up Your Device: Use a real Android device with an associated Google Play account. Make sure the device has internet access and is logged into the correct Google Play account for testing.
2. Enable Testing Mode: In your Google Play Console, you can set your app to internal testing mode. This allows you to test IAPs on a live device while still keeping the app restricted to internal testers. Enable license test accounts in the Console so that purchases can be made without actual charges.
3. Perform In-App Purchases: With your real device connected, simulate purchases directly in the app. You’ll be able to see the real purchase flow and validate transactions in a real-world setting. Test different types of purchases (subscriptions, consumables, and non-consumables) to ensure everything functions as expected.
4. Test User Scenarios: Check how the app behaves when users interact with the purchase flow in various conditions. For instance, test purchases on different devices, slow networks, and unstable connections. Make sure the app responds to issues like declined payments, expired credit cards, or incomplete transactions.

👉Read More: Subscription-Based Apps: Building a Successful Strategy for the Future

Best Practices for Testing In-App Purchases

When it comes to testing in-app purchases, trust me, you can’t cut corners. It’s not just about making sure transactions go through; it’s about creating a seamless, frustration-free experience for your users. Start by covering every purchase type—subscriptions, one-time purchases, consumables, and non-consumables. Each has its quirks, and if you don’t test them thoroughly, you’re bound to run into issues once your app goes live.

Now, let’s talk about real-world conditions. Your users aren’t all going to be on perfect Wi-Fi with the latest devices. They’ll have spotty networks, older phones, or unpredictable habits. You need to test the purchase flow under these scenarios to make sure it holds up. A transaction that fails because of a bad connection or device lag can frustrate users and lead to lost revenue.

Don’t forget about purchase restoration—it’s non-negotiable. If someone buys something, especially a subscription or a non-consumable item, they expect to access it across devices or after reinstalling your app. Test this feature relentlessly. If restoration doesn’t work, you’ll hear about it in angry reviews, guaranteed.

Payment methods are another key area. Your app should handle all the popular options—credit cards, gift cards, PayPal, and more. People want flexibility, and if their preferred payment method isn’t supported or doesn’t work properly, they’ll move on.

Lastly, involve your users during testing. Their feedback is gold. They’ll point out things you might overlook, like confusing interfaces or unexpected errors. Fixing these issues during development can save you from headaches post-launch. Negative reviews are hard to recover from, so it’s better to address any problems early.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

1. Transaction Failures: If purchases are failing, check your product IDs and ensure that the app is properly integrated with Google Play Billing. Additionally, make sure the test account has a valid payment method associated with it.
2. Purchase Restoration Not Working: If purchases aren’t being restored correctly, ensure that the app properly handles the restoration process, including checking for valid receipts and ensuring the correct items are re-activated after a restore.
3. Sandbox Issues: If the Sandbox environment is not working correctly, check your test account’s settings and ensure that the correct testing environment is active. Also, verify that Google Play Billing is correctly configured in both your app and the Play Console.

Conclusion

Testing in-app purchases on Android is an essential process that ensures the proper functioning of your app’s revenue features. By using tools like Google Play Console, Xcode, the Android Emulator, and real Android devices, developers can thoroughly test every aspect of their purchase flow, including subscriptions, non-consumables, and consumables. Following best practices for testing and troubleshooting common issues will help ensure a seamless and smooth purchasing experience for users, ultimately contributing to your app’s success and profitability.

FAQs

How do I test in-app purchases on Android?

You can test in-app purchases on Android using Google Play Console, the Android Emulator, or real devices by setting up license test accounts and simulating purchases with the Google Play Billing system.

What is the best way to test subscriptions on Android?

Test subscriptions by using the Google Play Console’s test environments and ensuring that the subscription renewal, restoration, and cancellation processes work smoothly across various devices and network conditions.

Can I test in-app purchases on the Android emulator?

Yes, the Android Emulator allows you to simulate purchases using test Google accounts without charging real money, making it a useful tool for initial testing.

Why do my in-app purchases fail during testing?

Common reasons for failed purchases include incorrect product IDs, issues with the Google Play Billing setup, or invalid test accounts. Ensure all configurations are correct and that test accounts are set up properly.

👉Read More: Cross-Platform App Development: The Key to Building Scalable and Cost-Effective Apps

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Nami co-founder & CEO Dan Burcaw joins the Constant Variables podcast to talk about how focusing on the core user experience is essential to combating churn and subscription fatigue.

Here is the episode synopsis:

In an era of subscription overload, apps with subscription revenue models have their work cut out for them acquiring (and retaining) subscribers. That’s why Dan Burcaw founded Nami ML, a machine-learning company focused on helping app developers grow mobile subscription businesses by reducing churn and focusing on the core user experience. Dan joins the show to share his insights on the plight of a subscription-fatigued economy, how data collection and user privacy don’t have to be enemies, and how the app landscape has changed since the launch of the App Store in 2008.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit the episode page for more listening options.

👉Subscription App Analytics Definitive Guide

Why Testing In-App Purchases Is Essential

In-app purchases play a critical role in monetizing your iOS app. Whether you’re offering subscriptions, one-time purchases, or in-app upgrades, ensuring the purchase flow works seamlessly is crucial to user satisfaction and app revenue. A poorly tested in-app purchase system can lead to frustrating experiences for users, errors during transactions, or, in the worst case, lost revenue.

Testing your in-app purchases thoroughly also ensures compliance with Apple's guidelines and helps avoid potential rejections during the app review process. To avoid issues like incorrect prices, failed transactions, or a complicated user interface, proper testing is essential to guarantee a smooth, hassle-free experience for both developers and users.

Different Methods for Testing In-App Purchases on iOS

Testing in-app purchases on iOS requires a strategic approach to ensure a smooth and reliable user experience. By leveraging different testing methods, you can identify potential issues and optimize the purchase flow for all scenarios.

1. Testing In-App Purchases Locally in Xcode

Xcode provides a powerful environment for testing your in-app purchases locally, before pushing your app to any external environments. Testing directly within Xcode allows you to simulate the purchase flow, validate the integration of StoreKit, and check for any potential bugs in the IAP process.

1. Setup StoreKit:
   • First, ensure that you have integrated StoreKit correctly into your app. This framework enables in-app purchase functionality and handles the transaction process for digital goods.
   • Configure your product identifiers and make sure that your in-app products (such as subscriptions or one-time purchases) are defined in the App Store Connect settings.
2. Local Testing:
   • In Xcode, use the Simulator to simulate in-app purchase requests. This allows you to test whether the purchase request triggers properly, whether the response is handled as expected, and if the UI displays the correct information.
   • Test the success and failure paths by simulating different scenarios, such as successful payments, payment failures, or network issues.
3. Debugging:
   • Use Xcode's debugging tools to inspect any errors or issues in the purchase flow. Pay close attention to how the app handles the transaction queue, and ensure that all transaction states (such as purchased, failed, and restored) are correctly processed.
4. Test Different Purchase Types:
   • For complete coverage, test subscriptions, non-consumable purchases, and consumable purchases to ensure each type works as expected. Make sure the app behaves properly when users attempt to restore purchases or when subscriptions renew.

👉Read More: Cross-Platform Monetization: A Strategic Approach to Generating Consistent Revenue

2. Using TestFlight for Beta Testing

TestFlight is Apple’s official platform for distributing beta versions of apps to testers before they are released publicly. It allows you to test in-app purchases in a live environment, which is essential for catching any issues that might not be detectable in the sandbox or local testing environments.

1. Setup TestFlight:
   • Create a beta version of your app and upload it to App Store Connect. From there, you can send TestFlight invitations to users who can then download and test your app.
   • Ensure your app's in-app purchase flow is set up and that the TestFlight build is configured with proper product identifiers for testing.
2. Testing In-App Purchases in TestFlight:
   • Users in the TestFlight group will test the purchase flow and report any issues they encounter, such as issues with product purchase screens, payment processing, or restoration of previous purchases.
   • Test the complete purchase cycle, from purchase initiation to completion, including scenarios where the app should handle transaction errors or user cancellations.
3. Real User Data:
   • Since TestFlight users are real testers, you can collect actual data on how the app performs with real-world users. This includes evaluating how the app behaves in live environments and ensuring the purchase flow is stable and works correctly for diverse devices and OS versions.

The Sandbox environment is designed specifically for testing in-app purchases without actually charging users. It provides a safe testing space where you can simulate real transactions in a controlled environment.

1. Enable Sandbox Testing:
   • To use the Sandbox, log into App Store Connect and set up test accounts for testing purposes. These accounts will allow you to simulate purchase scenarios without involving real money.
   • On your device, make sure to sign in with your Sandbox account instead of your primary Apple ID.
2. Simulate Purchases:
   • The Sandbox allows you to simulate successful purchases, failed transactions, and even subscription renewals. You can test how your app handles subscription trials, free trials, and auto-renewable subscriptions.
   • Test scenarios such as restoring purchases and checking how the app handles failed payment methods or issues with the user’s account.
3. Testing Renewals and Restorations:
   • The Sandbox environment is ideal for testing subscription renewals and restoring purchases. It simulates how subscriptions behave when users change their payment methods or if an issue occurs with their account, ensuring that users can always access their purchased content after paying.
4. Transaction State Handling:
   • One of the key features of the Sandbox environment is its ability to test transaction states. Simulate successful, failed, and restored purchases to ensure your app handles each scenario appropriately.

Best Practices for Testing In-App Purchases on iOS

Testing in-app purchases requires more than just basic checks—it’s about ensuring a seamless experience for users in every scenario. First, always test on real devices. While simulators and tools like TestFlight can provide valuable insights, they can’t replicate the unique behaviors, network conditions, and performance variations of actual hardware. Real devices reveal issues that might go unnoticed in simulated environments.

Additionally, make sure your app handles all transaction states correctly, whether it’s a successful purchase, a failed attempt, or a restored transaction. Clear updates to the user interface and proper notifications are essential to keep users informed and confident throughout the process.

It’s also crucial to account for edge cases. Test how your app responds to slow or unstable networks, incomplete transactions, or low-balance payment methods. Your app should manage these situations gracefully, whether by providing a retry option or offering clear guidance to the user.

When testing, use realistic data to simulate actual user behavior, including different payment methods, subscription plans, and even currency exchanges. This approach ensures the purchase flow works as expected under real-world conditions.

Finally, thorough testing across devices is non-negotiable. In-app purchase behavior can vary between devices, especially if your app supports multiple screen sizes and orientations, such as on iPhones and iPads. Testing on a wide range of devices ensures your app delivers a consistent and reliable experience, no matter what hardware your users are using.

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👉Read More: How to Set Up and Manage Purchase Approvals on Google Play

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

1. Sandbox Account Issues: If you are unable to make purchases in the Sandbox environment, check that you are signed in with the correct Sandbox account and that your test environment is properly set up.
2. Failed Transactions: If transactions fail during testing, ensure that your StoreKit configuration is correct and that your product identifiers match those set in App Store Connect.
3. Purchase Restoration Failures: Ensure that your app correctly handles restoring purchases from Sandbox or TestFlight environments. Sometimes, this issue can be caused by mismatched product identifiers or incorrect configuration settings

Conclusion

Testing in-app purchases is a crucial step in the development process of iOS apps. Whether you use TestFlight, Xcode, or the Sandbox environment, each method offers unique benefits that ensure your app’s purchase flow is seamless and reliable. By following the best practices and using the right tools, you can confidently test in-app purchases to deliver a smooth and secure purchasing experience for your users.

FAQs

How can I test in-app purchases without spending real money?

Use the Sandbox environment to test in-app purchases without spending actual money. The Sandbox simulates transactions in a safe, test-only environment.

Can I test subscriptions in TestFlight?

Yes, TestFlight allows you to test subscriptions, including free trials, auto-renewals, and subscription cancellations, in a real-world environment.

What is the best way to test subscription renewals?

Use the Sandbox environment to simulate subscription renewals and test how your app handles these scenarios. Additionally, TestFlight allows you to gather feedback from real testers regarding subscription behavior.

👉Read More: How to Test In-App Purchases on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

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