General definitions. Exact rules, such as how long a grace period lasts, vary by store and change, so check the current store documentation.
- Paywall: the screen that asks users to pay or subscribe to continue.
- Free trial: free access for a limited time before a paid plan starts.
- Intro offer: a reduced price or free period for new subscribers.
- Subscription: a recurring payment for ongoing access.
- In-app purchase (IAP): a payment made inside the app.
- Consumable / non-consumable: a purchase that is used up (coins) vs one kept for good (unlock).
- Grace period: a time after a failed renewal payment in which access can continue while the store retries.
- Billing retry: the store tries to collect a failed payment again.
- Restore purchases: a function that gives a returning user back what they already bought.
- Churn: users who cancel or stop paying.
- Freemium: free core app, paid extras.
- Dark pattern: a design that tricks users into paying or makes cancelling hard.
Example: a paywall offers a 7-day trial (made-up). The user does not cancel, the renewal fails, the grace period starts, access continues while the store retries.
Related
- Testing monetization and paywalls
- Paywall comprehension test
- Back to the app testing glossary; see also release and rollout terms and accessibility terms.
Have testers try your paywall: See how AppReviewX works.