Android Users Face Nearly Double the Billing Errors of iOS

Subscription-based apps are booming in 2025, but not all platforms deliver the same smooth experience. According to RevenueCat’s latest report, Android users on Google Play face billing errors almost twice as often as iOS users on the App Store — a gap that’s proving costly for both users and developers.

The data shows that 28.2% of canceled subscriptions on Google Play are caused by billing errors, nearly double Apple’s 15.1%. In other words, if you’re using Android, you’re almost twice as likely to lose access to an app or service because your payment didn’t go through properly.

For users, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It can mean losing access to essential tools, entertainment, or services they’ve already paid for, as well as wasting time trying to fix issues that shouldn’t happen in the first place.

Billing Errors Are a Major Cause of Cancellations

While voluntary cancellations remain the top reason users end subscriptions on both platforms, billing errors rank second on Google Play. Developers are feeling the impact, too — every failed payment or unintended cancellation means lost revenue and frustrated customers.

These issues highlight a deeper reliability gap between Android and iOS billing systems. Apple’s ecosystem benefits from tighter integration and stricter payment rules, while Android’s open approach allows more flexibility — but also more failure points.

Subscription Churn Remains a Challenge

RevenueCat’s report also sheds light on broader subscription trends. Nearly 30% of annual subscribers cancel within the first month, suggesting that users quickly decide whether an app is worth paying for. However, once a user stays beyond that period, they’re more likely to remain subscribed.

Interestingly, pricing strategy plays a big role. Apps offering affordable annual plans retain about 36% of users after one year, while those relying on higher monthly subscriptions keep only about 6.7%. The takeaway? Lower-cost, long-term pricing models foster loyalty far better than short-term plans.

Free Trials Are Crucial for Conversion

The report also found that 82% of free trials start on day one — immediately after installation. This means that if developers delay showing off premium features or fail to highlight trials early, they risk missing the most effective moment to convert users.

With users deciding faster than ever whether to pay, that first impression is critical. Apps that clearly communicate value and demonstrate features up front have a far better chance of retaining users after the trial period ends.

Apple Leads in Monetization Efficiency

Despite Android’s vast global user base, Apple still dominates when it comes to turning downloads into paying customers. The App Store consistently outperforms Google Play across categories like business, health and fitness, and education.

Android developers not only face lower conversion rates but also a higher risk of billing failures, both of which can cut into profits and degrade the user experience. This makes subscription stability a growing concern for Google Play developers who depend on recurring revenue.

Refunds and User Satisfaction

Refunds remain relatively uncommon, but they vary widely by category. Apps in health, fitness, and education see refund rates as high as 4.9%, typically when the experience doesn’t match marketing promises. This underlines the importance of honest advertising and seamless onboarding for subscription-based apps.

RevenueCat’s 2025 report is based on data from tens of thousands of apps and billions of subscription transactions, offering one of the clearest looks yet at how mobile ecosystems handle recurring payments.

Conclusion: Platform Choice Matters More Than Ever

As subscription apps continue to dominate the mobile market, the choice of platform can significantly shape the user experience. For now, Apple’s billing system remains the more reliable option, while Google Play’s payment errors continue to create headaches for both sides of the transaction.

Unless Google improves the reliability of its billing system, developers may need to compensate with clearer payment recovery options, stronger communication, and better error handling — or risk losing loyal subscribers to iOS.