Selling Your Mobile App
Mobile apps—iOS and Android—have unique sale considerations. This guide covers everything from valuation to the App Store transfer process.
Why Mobile Apps Are Valuable
Built-In Distribution:
App Store presence = discoverabilityExisting ratings and reviewsDownload history signals qualityRecurring Revenue Potential:
Subscriptions are standardIn-app purchases add valueAd revenue can be substantialEstablished Users:
Active users are valuablePush notification accessUser acquisition is expensiveValuing Your Mobile App
Apps With Revenue:
| Revenue Type | Multiple |
|-------------|----------|
| Subscription | 24-48x monthly |
| One-time purchase | 12-24x monthly |
| In-app purchases | 18-36x monthly |
| Ad revenue | 18-30x monthly |
Apps Without Revenue (Based on Users):
| Platform | Per-MAU Value |
|----------|---------------|
| iOS | $0.50-5.00 |
| Android | $0.25-3.00 |
iOS App Transfer Process
Requirements:
Both parties need Apple Developer accounts ($99/year)App must not be part of a subscription group with other appsNo pending contracts or agreementsSteps:
Seller initiates transfer in App Store ConnectAccepts terms and enters buyer's Team IDBuyer accepts transfer in their App Store ConnectTransfer completes (typically 1-2 business days)All app history, ratings, and reviews transferAndroid App Transfer Process
Requirements:
Both parties need Google Play Developer accounts ($25 one-time)App must be at least 14 days oldNo pending policy violationsSteps:
Seller adds buyer's email as adminBuyer accepts developer accessSeller transfers app via Google Play ConsoleBuyer accepts transferSeller removes their accessPreparing Your App for Sale
Code Preparation:
Clean, documented codebaseRemove any personal API keysEnsure builds work (test on CI)Update to latest OS versionsApp Store Preparation:
Fix any pending rejectionsUpdate screenshots if outdatedResolve any policy warningsEnsure subscription/IAP works correctlyBusiness Preparation:
Screenshot analytics and revenueDocument user acquisition sourcesList all integrated servicesCalculate true costs (Apple/Google fees, servers, etc.)Common Mistakes
Valuation Mistakes:
Counting downloads not active usersIgnoring Apple/Google's revenue cutOvervaluing "potential"Transfer Mistakes:
Not having buyer verify they can receive transferForgetting to transfer in-app purchases separatelyNot providing source code accessSell Your Mobile App on VibePath
We help indie developers sell their mobile apps:
**No commission** - Keep 100% of your sale**Right buyers** - Indie developers looking for apps**Simple process** - List in minutesYour app has value. Let's help you realize it.