Terms of Service for Mobile Apps
Terms that satisfy Apple and Google review while still working as a real contract — EULA conventions, in-app purchases, user-generated content.
- Satisfies Apple + Google store submission requirements
- Covers in-app purchases, IAP refunds, account termination
- EULA + ToS hybrid in one document — the standard for apps
Mobile-app terms have to satisfy two audiences: app-store reviewers (Apple App Store, Google Play) who reject submissions with missing EULAs, and your actual users who need to know what they signed up for. The store requirements are specific — Apple's Standard EULA is the fallback if you don't supply your own, and Google requires a URL to your terms in the listing. Generic SaaS terms miss several app-specific items: in-app-purchase non-refund handling, account termination on store removal, and the platform passthrough clauses both stores expect to see.
Disclosures that matter for mobile app.
License grant (EULA-style)
A mobile app is licensed, not sold. Terms need an explicit license grant — typically "limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the app for personal, non-commercial purposes." Apple's Standard EULA uses this shape.
In-app purchase handling
IAPs go through Apple / Google billing; the user's refund request goes to them, not to you. Terms should say this clearly so users do not file chargebacks against you for purchases the store processed.
Platform passthroughs
Apple's requirements include a clause that the EULA is between user + developer (not Apple), that Apple has no support obligation, and that Apple is a third-party beneficiary. Google has analogous expectations.
Account / data termination
If the app gets pulled from the store or sunset, what happens to user data, paid features, in-progress purchases? Most apps skip this and it bites them later.
User-generated content
If users post content (photos, comments, messages), Section 230 (US) limits your liability for third-party content but requires you have a takedown procedure. DMCA notice-and-takedown should be referenced for apps with media.
Statutory rights preservation
For B2C apps with EU / UK / AU users: standard "nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer" preservation language.
Where mobile app terms usually go wrong.
Submitting without an EULA
Apple falls back to its Standard EULA, which may not match your model (subscription, IAP-heavy, etc.). Google requires terms URL in the listing. Skipping yours means accepting defaults.
Promising IAP refunds you cannot deliver
You do not control IAP refunds — Apple / Google do. Saying "we will refund" creates promises you can't keep and chargeback risk.
No data-termination clause
When the app is sunset, users want their data back. Terms should describe export options or the lack thereof so expectations are set.
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