What are consumable and non-consumable in-app purchases?

Apple defines a consumable as a product that is used once, after which it becomes depleted and must be purchased again, and a non-consumable as a product that is purchased once and does not expire or decrease with use. Google Play sells both as one-time products. The difference shows up in the code: on Google Play a consumable must be consumed before the customer can buy it again, and consuming also acknowledges the purchase. A non-consumable is acknowledged but not consumed.

Acknowledge every Google Play purchase within three days or Google refunds it and revokes access. On Apple platforms, finish each transaction after you deliver the product. If you keep a balance on your server, such as coins, listen for refund notifications so you can take the coins back. Apple sends a REFUND notification for both types.

In RevenueDot a product has type consumable or non_consumable. A consumable never grants an entitlement, and the Android SDK consumes it when RevenueDot answers should_consume: true. A non-consumable counts as a lifetime purchase, and a lifetime purchase wins over every other purchase for the same entitlement unless it is refunded.

Sources: App Store Connect Help: In-App Purchase types · Apple: Handling refund notifications · Android Developers: Integrate the Play Billing Library