Introduction
Dodo Payments empowers developers to sell digital goods and services in iOS apps, handling complex aspects like tax compliance, currency conversion, and payouts. This comprehensive guide details how to integrate Dodo Payments into your iOS app, specifically for SaaS tools, content subscriptions, and digital utilities.Overview
Dodo Payments serves as your Merchant of Record (MoR), managing critical aspects of your digital business:- What We Handle
- What You Get
- Tax collection and remittance (VAT, GST, and other regional taxes)
- Global payments as per policies and local payment methods
- Currency conversion and foreign exchange
- Chargebacks and fraud prevention
- End-customer invoicing and receipts
- Compliance with regional regulations
Use Cases
Subscriptions
- Premium content or feature access
- Recurring billing with flexible options, Free trials, Proration, or Upgrades and downgrades
Courses and Learning
- Pay-per-course access
- Bundled content packages
- Lifetime or renewable licenses
- Progress tracking integration
Digital Downloads
- One-time purchases (PDFs, music, tools)
- Digital asset delivery
- License key management
SaaS Tools
- Software-as-a-Service subscriptions
- Usage-based billing
- Team and enterprise plans
Integration Flow
You can integrate Dodo Payments into your app using our hosted checkout or in-app browser solution.Integration Steps
1
Mobile App to Dodo API
The process begins with the mobile app creating a payment link by interacting with the Dodo API.
2
Dodo API to Mobile App
The Dodo API responds by providing a checkout URL back to the mobile app.
3
Mobile App to Checkout Page
The mobile app then opens this checkout URL within a WebView, leading the user to the checkout page.
4
Checkout Page to Your Server
Upon completion of the checkout process, the checkout page communicates with your server through redirects or webhooks.
5
Your Server to Mobile App
Finally, your server grants access to the purchased content or service, completing the transaction cycle back in the mobile app.
Mobile Integration Guide
For a complete developer walkthrough, explore our Mobile Integration Guide.
Regional Availability
Dodo Payments enables alternative in-app purchase flows only in App Store regions where Apple explicitly allows external payments, or where a regulator or court order mandates it.Supported Regions
United States
United States
Supported to the extent permitted by current court orders and Apple’s updated guidelines.
- Available under specific court-mandated provisions
- Subject to Apple’s compliance with legal requirements
- Must follow Apple’s implementation guidelines
European Union (EU) App Store
European Union (EU) App Store
Supported via Apple’s EU Alternative Terms and External Purchase Entitlement.
- Enabled through Apple’s EU Alternative Terms
- Requires External Purchase Entitlement approval
- Must comply with EU Digital Markets Act requirements
South Korea
South Korea
Supported through the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement for Korea-only binaries.
- Available via StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement
- Requires Korea-specific app binary
- Must comply with Korean telecommunications law
Always review and comply with Apple’s region-specific entitlements and App Store Connect requirements before enabling Dodo Payments for any storefront. Using alternative payment flows in unsupported regions may result in app rejection or removal.
For some business models - such as services or certain categories of content - Apple may not require the use of in-app purchase (IAP) at all. Dodo Payments supports these models as well. Always verify your app’s classification and Apple’s latest guidelines to determine if IAP is mandatory for your use case.
Learn More
For a detailed breakdown of global policies, legal precedents, and strategic approaches to bypassing App Store fees, see our comprehensive guide:Bypassing App Store & Play Store Fees: A Strategic and Legal Playbook
Learn where and how you can legally implement alternative payment flows, with up-to-date regional guidance and compliance tips.