Every few months, it seems like Apple or Google drops a policy update that forces us to revamp our onboarding flow.
I just wrapped up fixing our trial signup due to the latest subscription guidelines.
It’s frustrating to feel like we’re always on the back foot instead of focusing on growth.
Build flexible flows. Update fast when needed. Keep it basic to adapt to changes.
Stop building everything around store policies. I learned this the hard way after the third rebuild. Put your core conversion logic on your web platform. Use the app as a delivery mechanism, not your main funnel. When policies shift, you change a few screens instead of gutting your entire acquisition system. Also, subscribe to developer policy feeds and set calendar reminders for compliance deadlines. Most changes get announced 30-60 days out.
I understand your frustration. Focus on creating your main funnel outside the app stores.
Collect emails and payments through your own landing pages first. Then guide users to download the app. If policies change, you only need to adjust the app onboarding instead of rebuilding everything from scratch.
Been dealing with this for years. What helped me was setting up A/B tests for multiple funnel variations at the same time.
When Apple changed their subscription rules in 2022, I had three different onboarding flows already running. One of them was compliant, so we just shifted traffic there while fixing the others.
Also started tracking policy announcements more closely. Apple usually gives a few weeks notice. I use that time to prep backup flows before the deadline hits.
The key is having backup plans ready to go. Saved me from scrambling every time they change the rules.
Keep it simple. Make changes easy to adapt.