How to Build a Subscription App with RevenueCat (2026 Guide)

Why RevenueCat Over DIY

Direct StoreKit/Google Billing implementation: 2–3 weeks of dev, ongoing maintenance with every OS update, server-side receipt validation you must build and secure, no cross-platform sync. RevenueCat: 1–2 days of integration, handles all of the above, free up to $2.5K MRR. The only reason to go DIY is if you enjoy suffering.

Technical Architecture

React Native app with react-native-purchases SDK. RevenueCat dashboard configures products, entitlements, and offerings. Your backend checks subscription status via RevenueCat REST API (not client-side — never trust the client). Supabase stores user data, RevenueCat stores subscription state. Webhook from RevenueCat to your server on subscription events (renewal, cancellation, billing issue).

• SDK: react-native-purchases (Expo compatible)
• Entitlements: 'premium' unlocks features
• Offerings: group products into paywall options
• Webhooks: subscription_renewed, cancellation, etc.
• Server check: RevenueCat API → is user premium?

Paywall Design That Converts

Show the paywall after the user experiences value — not on signup. Fitness app: after first workout logged. Meditation: after first session completed. Dating: after first match. Annual plan should be pre-selected (60–70% choose annual when it's default). Show price per week ($1.99/week sounds cheaper than $9.99/month). Include free trial only if your onboarding is strong enough to activate users.

Trial Strategy

7-day free trial is standard for consumer apps. 14-day for B2B. Require payment method upfront (higher conversion, more complaints) or no payment method (lower conversion, less friction). RevenueCat handles trial-to-paid conversion automatically. Set up trial reminder push notification on Day 5 and Day 6 — recovers 10–15% of would-be churners.