How to Test Camera, Notifications and In-App Purchases on iOS
Updated: October 2026
Camera, push notifications and in-app purchases are three of the riskiest features in an iOS app, because they depend on permissions, Apple services and real hardware. This guide gives you a simple test plan for each one on a real iPhone.
Part 1: Camera and photos
Why it breaks: missing permission texts, denied permissions, large image files and wrong orientation.
Test plan:
- Open the camera for the first time and read the permission message
- Tap Allow, then repeat the test with Don’t Allow
- After denying, check that the app explains how to turn it on in Settings
- Take photos in portrait and landscape
- Upload a large photo on a slow connection
- Choose a photo from the library, and test the limited-access option
- Cancel the camera halfway and return to the app
Part 2: Push notifications
Why it breaks: the permission is requested at the wrong moment, tokens are not registered, or the app handles taps incorrectly.
Test plan:
- Check when the app asks for notification permission, and whether it explains why
- Allow, then deny, and confirm the app handles both
- Send a real notification while the app is open, in the background and closed
- Tap the notification and confirm it opens the right screen
- Check the badge number and sound
- Turn notifications off in Settings and see how the app reacts
Real push delivery is best checked on a physical device with a real build.
Part 3: In-app purchases
Why it breaks: products not configured, purchase buttons that fail, content not unlocking, and no restore option.
Test plan:
- Check that every product shows the right name and price
- Complete a purchase and confirm the content unlocks
- Cancel a purchase halfway and confirm the app stays stable
- Test “Restore Purchases” after deleting and reinstalling
- Test with no internet connection during a purchase
- For subscriptions, check the terms shown before purchase
Purchases made in TestFlight builds use Apple’s sandbox, so real money is not charged. Check Apple’s current documentation for sandbox setup.
Checklist: the three features
- Every permission has a clear reason text
- Allow and Deny both work without a crash
- Notifications arrive in all three app states
- Purchases unlock content and can be restored
- All tested on a real iPhone, from a fresh install
Why reviewers look at these
A crash after a denied permission or a purchase that does nothing is a typical reason for rejection. A tester who checks these flows before submission can save you a review round. RealAppTest goes through every screen and function by hand and documents what it finds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I test push notifications in the Simulator?
Simulated pushes are possible in recent tools, but real delivery is best tested on a device.
Do I need a paid account to test purchases?
Yes, for App Store Connect products and TestFlight.