In-app Purchases for iOS. Configuring

The SmartTUBE app for iOS enables subscribers to purchase service packages and content directly through the app. In compliance with Apple’s policies, all transactions must occur via the Apple Store. Therefore, service packages in the SmartTUBE SDP must be configured to match those in the Apple Store, linked by Apple ID.

So, let’s proceed with the configuration and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Create service packages on the SmartTUBE SDP side

Determine which service packages you wish to offer subscribers to subscribe/purchase in-app.
Create them on the SmartTUBE SDP side, following the standard workflow.

Step 2: Create an Apple ID

Now you need to enroll your organization in the Apple Developer Program. To do this, you need to sign in with an Apple ID. If you don’t have one, you can create it on the Apple ID portal.

Creating a New Apple ID: If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one on the Apple ID portal.
Important Note on Two-Factor Authentication: When setting up your Apple ID, consider enabling Two-Factor Authentication for added security. Once enabled, it cannot be switched off, so choose this option carefully.

The Apple ID you use must have the authority to make legal agreements for your organization. This means you should be the owner/founder, an executive, a senior project lead, or have permission from a senior employee.

Step 3: Enroll for the Apple Developer Program

Visit the Apple Developer Website: Go to the Apple Developer website to begin the enrollment process.
Choosing the Right Account Type: When enrolling, make sure to select the membership type as “Organization”. This option allows your organization to distribute apps under its legal entity name.

Please note:
There may be an annual membership fee to join the program.
You are creating the Apple Developer account on behalf of your company. It is important not to use your personal email address to enroll. Instead, use an email address associated with your company or organization. This ensures that the account remains accessible to other authorized personnel in the future.
Avoid Using Personal iOS Devices for Two-Factor Authentication: When setting up your Apple Developer account, refrain from using your personal iOS device for two-factor authentication. Using a personal device could create complications if the device is lost or if there are changes in ownership or access. It is recommended to use a device that is designated for company use or shared among authorized team members.
Prepare D‑U‑N‑S Number: For enrollment, your organization must have a unique D‑U‑N‑S Number assigned by Dun & Bradstreet. This number verifies your organization’s identity and legal status. You can check if your organization has a D‑U‑N‑S Number and request one if needed. This process is usually free and can be done on the D-U-N-S lookup tool.

Step 4: Payment

Once you have entered all the necessary information, you’ll proceed to the payment screen.

Membership Costs: There may be an annual fee for membership in the Apple Developer Program. However, Apple typically offers a special benefit for entrepreneurs, providing a 1-year free membership to eligible individuals. This includes entrepreneurs who are part of the Apple Entrepreneur Camp program.
Payment Options: You can make the payment using a credit card or PayPal.
Completing the Process: After the payment is completed, you’ll have access to your Apple Developer account. Here, you can view and manage your apps, access development resources, and more.

Step 5: Adding Team Members (optional)

You can invite other team members, such as developers or managers, to your Apple Developer account (through the People page). This allows them to collaborate on app development and distribution.

Step 6: Register for App Store Connect

App Store Connect is a platform by Apple that lets developers manage their apps in the App Store. It includes tools for submitting apps, viewing analytics, responding to user reviews, tracking finances, and more.

Step 7: Accept the Paid Apps Agreement and add Business information

To offer in-app purchases, you need to accept the Paid Apps Agreement.

From the home page of App Store Connect, click Business.
On the Agreements tab, find the Paid Apps row, then click View and Agree to Terms.
You may be prompted to provide a two-factor authentication verification code in order to proceed. Learn how to get a verification code.
Read and accept the terms, then click Agree. You can also download a copy of the agreement.

Important: Once you’ve accepted the terms of this agreement, you can’t undo this action.

Add your organization’s bank account information that Apple will interact with on the Bank Accounts tab.
In consultation with your finance department, sign the W-8BEN-E form on the Tax Forms tab.
If you are going to distribute your app in the EU, sign the Digital Services Act on the Compliance tab.

Step 8: Configure in-app purchases in App Store Connect

In Apple’s terminology, in-app purchases for SmartTUBE paid services are divided into two types:

– Auto-renewable Subscriptions: e.g. SVoD packages, TV Channels, nPVR, etc. These services are recurring services that are automatically charged by Apple to the subscriber’s linked card at regular intervals (e.g., monthly or yearly).

– Consumable Purchases: e.g. TVoD, PPV packages. Such services imply a one-time payment.

The process of setting up both types of purchases looks similar, so let’s start with the Auto-renewable subscriptions:

Navigate to the Apps menu and click on your app in the list.
When opened, click on the Monetization > Subscriptions item in the left-side menu.
In the Auto-renewable Subscriptions section, click on Subscription Groups (+) and add your first subscription. The name of the Subscription Group could be arbitrary.
On the Localization tab, you can add the package name in different languages that will be displayed on the payment popup in the application interface.
On the Subscriptions tab, add a subscription corresponding to one SmartTUBE package and fill the corresponding data:

– The REFERENCE NAME is the name of the package that will be displayed to the user in the application interface when they attempt to purchase the package.

– The PRODUCT ID is the package name that can be used to track payment in Apple’s financial reports. Even if multiple SmartTUBE packages have the same price, we still recommend creating a separate Subscription for each package to avoid confusion in Apple’s financial reports.

– Fill in the Subscription Duration, Availability, and Subscription Prices data strictly according to the data on the SmartTUBE side.

– Fill in the Localization tab.

– The Image and Tax Category fields could be omitted.

Important:

– If you have mutually exclusive packages, they must be in the same Subscription Group. If you do not have mutually exclusive packages in SmartTUBE, then each SmartTUBE package must have one Subscription Group with one Subscription.

After filling in all the data above click Save and do not click Submit to Review.
When creating a Subscription, pay attention to the Apple ID field and write it down.
Open the appropriate package in SmartTUBE and paste this ID into the Apple ID field. This ID is used to match packages on the SmartTUBE and Apple Store side.
Contact SmartLabs Tech Support to provide the appropriate screenshots for a successful package review.
Go back to the App Store Connect with screenshots received and upload them into the Screenshots tab in the package details.
Click on Submit to Review.
Follow these steps for all SmartTUBE subscription packages.

The process of setting up Consumable Purchases looks similar, but is done under Monetization > In-App Purchases menu.