Apple requires all payments made through iOS apps to use their In-App Purchase system. This system adds Apple’s App Store fee, licensing costs, and VAT to each payment. As a result, subscriptions purchased in the iOS app are priced higher than those purchased on the web or Android.
Why This Happens
When you subscribe through the iOS app, Apple acts as the seller and processes your payment through the App Store. This includes:
Apple’s App Store commission
Applicable VAT
Licensing and transaction costs
These fees are included in the total subscription price shown in the iOS app. ☝️ The creator’s payout is not affected — they earn the same as they would if you subscribed on the web.
Paying Less on the Web
💡 To pay a lower subscription price, you can cancel your iOS subscription and re-subscribe via the Herohero web app. You’ll keep access to the same content and benefits.
How to switch:
Open Settings → Apple Account → Subscriptions on your device.
Cancel your current Herohero iOS subscription.
Go to the Herohero web app and re-subscribe there 🎉.
Payments and Currencies
Apple always processes payments in your local currency 🌍.
For example – if a creator’s subscription is set at €10:
On the web, you’ll always pay exactly €10.
In the iOS app, the amount will be converted to Czech crowns (CZK) for users in the Czech Republic.
Users from Slovakia will continue to pay in euros (EUR). Subscriptions in USD are handled via Herohero’s regular card payments and are not affected by iOS pricing.
VAT and Billing
When you purchase a subscription through the iOS app, you are buying directly from Apple, not from Herohero or the creator. This means:
Apple handles VAT and includes it in the total price.
Apple issues the invoice for your subscription.
Herohero only distributes the creator’s share of the revenue after Apple’s and Herohero’s fees are deducted.
TL;DR:
Why is the iOS price higher than on the web?
Apple 🍎 adds its own transaction and store fees, as well as VAT. These fees are included in the iOS subscription price.
Do creators earn more from iOS subscriptions?
🙅 No. Creators receive the same payout. The extra amount covers Apple’s fees.
Can I avoid the higher price?
Yes. You can cancel your iOS subscription and re-subscribe through the Herohero web app to pay the lower price 💅.
Who charges my payment and issues my receipt?
Apple does 🍎. When you subscribe via iOS, your payment is processed by Apple, and Apple sends your receipt and handles VAT.