In a big step forward for immersive web experiences, WebXR apps on the Meta Horizon Store can now take advantage of in-app payments (IAPs). This update brings new monetization options to developers creating Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for Meta’s Quest platform.
WebXR has always stood out because it doesn’t rely on traditional app stores. Developers can host their experiences on the open web, accessible directly through a headset’s browser—no downloads, no approval process. But since Meta Connect 2024, there’s been a shift. Meta began allowing WebXR experiences to be packaged as PWAs and distributed through the Horizon Store using tools like Google’s Bubblewrap.
Now, with the latest update, those same PWAs can integrate Meta’s in-app payments system. By using the Digital Goods API, a new web standard, developers can present payment flows that feel just like those in native apps. This means users can make purchases without leaving the immersive experience, making everything smoother and more seamless.
While this is a significant move, developers are still hoping for something more—monetization on the open web. Competitors like Apple and Google already allow payments through their respective browsers using Apple Pay and Google Pay. Unfortunately, Meta’s browser doesn’t yet offer this functionality, which is notable given that most WebXR users are on Quest headsets.
Even so, having in-app payments available through the store is a meaningful improvement. It could encourage more developers to explore WebXR as a serious development platform, especially those looking to build sustainable business models around immersive web apps.
This update may just be the push needed to give WebXR a bigger presence in the XR ecosystem.
