I'm marketing my SaaS, but right now it's just a website. I feel like this might turn some users away since many prefer apps. I really want to get an app on the app store as soon as possible, but I've heard that Apple can ban developers for using Stripe. I have a couple of questions: 1. Do I need to switch payment providers for my app? 2. What's the quickest and best way to develop an app from an existing website (and I don't just mean adding it to the home screen)?
5 Answers
Using Apple Pay can be a good choice even though they take a cut, it offers a smooth experience for the users which can help in gaining more customers.
If you want a more native feel, especially for features like navigation and notifications, building a thin native shell using SwiftUI could be the way to go. It might sound complicated, but the native parts will enhance user experience significantly without needing a complete code overhaul. Also, for payments, if you keep Stripe for web sign-ups and avoid putting it directly in the app, you can often get around Apple’s restrictions.
Regarding your first question about payment options: Since the Epic v. Apple ruling, Apple can’t penalize you for using external payment processors like Stripe. They even have guides for developers! But be cautious if you’re switching—some have faced bans for unrelated issues while trying to migrate.
One hassle-free way to convert your site is to create a Progressive Web App (PWA). You can actually publish that on the app stores. Check out pwabuilder.com for more info!
Yes, Apple requires in-app purchases for digital goods or subscriptions within the app, and they take a fair commission. If your SaaS primarily serves physical goods, then you can keep using Stripe. Still, if users can sign up through your website and avoid iOS in-app transactions, that’s a common workaround. As for converting your web app: if it’s mainly forms or dashboards, consider React Native or Capacitor to speed things up. If you need native features like the camera or notifications, React Native or Flutter will be more suitable, although it takes longer. If your web app is already mobile-friendly, consider if you actually need an App Store presence right away, and a PWA could buy you some time while you strategize the native approach.
What kind of SaaS are you working with? That could definitely affect which path to take.
Just keep in mind that Apple has specific rules. They might reject a basic PWA if it doesn’t offer significant features compared to your website.