What your booking software needs to support
Most studios use dedicated software for memberships and class booking, embedded on the website as a widget or member area. For the app, what matters is that this area works reliably in a mobile browser, including login, booking and cancellation.
Some providers offer their own generic apps where your studio is one of many. Your own branded app puts your logo on the home screen and your push messages in front of members. Check your contract to confirm that embedding the booking area in your own app is permitted.
In-app purchase or not: the key distinction
Apple draws a firm line between physical and digital services. Memberships, class passes and sessions held in the studio are physical services and can be paid through your usual channels. If you sell on-demand videos, online courses or digital training plans inside the iOS app, Guideline 3.1.1 applies and you must offer in-app purchase.
WebViewGold supports in-app purchases if you want to sell digital content. Alternatively, you can hide digital offers in the iOS app, as long as they are not promoted or linked there.
- List all products and classify each as in-person or digital.
- For digital products, decide whether to offer in-app purchase or not sell them in the app.
- Walk through booking, cancellation and waitlists on an iPhone and an Android device.
- Define push occasions such as cancelled classes, cover instructors, open spots and closures.
Publishing and alternatives
You need the Apple Developer Program at 99 USD per year and a Google Play Console account at a one-time 25 USD, with a D-U-N-S number for company accounts. appsubmitter.io can handle submission and privacy declarations in your own account, including communication with the review team if questions come up.
Smaller studios without booking software often find it easier to start with a builder. apprat.io lets you create an app for iOS, Android and the web without code, with the class schedule and news managed directly in the app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my current studio software?
Yes, as long as its member area works in a mobile browser on your website. The app shows that area inside a native shell with push and biometric login.
Do membership fees have to go through Apple's in-app purchase?
No, not when the membership covers in-person training. Only digital content such as video classes sold and consumed in the app falls under the in-app purchase requirement of Guideline 3.1.1.
How do I stop members from turning off push?
Only send messages with clear value, such as cancellations or open spots, and let members choose topics themselves. Promotional messages should be the exception.