Quick answer
Use MemberPress AppKit to turn an existing MemberPress-powered WordPress site into branded iOS and Android apps in hours—no coding required. AppKit syncs members and content in real time, supports push notifications and in-app purchases, and handles cloud builds and store uploads.
Why build an app?
An app lowers friction (no repeated browser logins), keeps members signed in, speeds access to courses and videos, enables push notifications, and sits on members’ home screens—usually increasing engagement and retention.
Cost snapshot
– Hiring developers: typically $10,000–$50,000+.
– App agencies: often $5,000–$20,000+.
– Generic app builders: $50–$300/month.
– MemberPress AppKit route: roughly $1,746.50/year for hosting, MemberPress, and AppKit (your exact costs will vary).
Why choose MemberPress AppKit
– Branded iOS and Android apps.
– Real-time sync of courses, lessons, and membership rules.
– Built-in push notifications and Firebase integration.
– Support for native in-app purchases when required.
– No-code setup and cloud-based build system—AppKit handles the heavy lifting.
Is an app right for you?
Good fit if members use mobile frequently, you offer video or course content, you want higher retention, or members have asked for an app. Consider waiting if your site is brand new, you have few active members, or your site is mostly text where the mobile web performs fine.
What you need
– Fast, reliable WordPress hosting.
– MemberPress plugin to manage memberships.
– MemberPress AppKit subscription.
– Apple Developer account ($99/year).
– Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time).
Estimated setup time: 2–3 hours plus app store review times.
Step-by-step setup
1. Install and connect AppKit
Purchase AppKit, download the plugin, install it on your WordPress site, and activate with your license key (MP AppKit » Connect). This links your site to AppKit’s cloud services.
2. Configure Apple (iOS)
Create an Apple Developer account. In MP AppKit » Configure » iOS Settings add your Key ID and Issuer ID and upload the App Store Connect API key. Add Bundle IDs, provisioning profiles, App ID, signing certificates, and the shared secret for in-app purchases. Keep these keys secure.
3. Configure Google (Android)
Create a Google Play Developer account and an app in the Play Console. In MP AppKit » Configure » Android Settings upload your Google Cloud Service Account JSON, set the Application ID (reverse-domain format), and create or upload a KeyStore certificate for signing.
4. Set up Firebase for push notifications
Create a Firebase project and generate the Service Account JSON (Admin key). In MP AppKit » Configure » Google Firebase upload that Admin key. Register four Firebase apps (iOS and Android, plus test variants), download the .plist and .json files, and upload them in AppKit. Add the APN key for iOS. Ensure Bundle IDs and Application IDs match exactly.
5. Enable key app features
– Push notifications: enable via MP AppKit » Components and configure types under Settings » Push Notifications.
– User registration: allow account creation from the app (MP AppKit » Settings » General).
– Delete account, feedback, and bug reports: configure emails under Settings » Feedback.
– Sharing and related posts: enable under Settings » Blog Posts to boost engagement.
– Smart Banner: enable to prompt mobile visitors to install the app (Settings » Smart Banner).
– Default restricted-message: customize CTAs and messaging for gated content (Settings » Access Controls).
6. Brand the app
In MP AppKit » Branding » Images upload icons, splash screens, and login/launch images. Adjust Colors and Typography to match your brand. Configure Tab Bar icons and which tabs appear. Consistent branding helps recognition and trust.
7. Build the app homepage and pages
Use MP AppKit » App Pages with Gutenberg blocks to assemble Home and other screens. Create a clean Home with Quick Links, a Courses carousel, featured content, and priority links so users can find key areas quickly. Publish when ready.
8. Build and test
From MP AppKit » Build » Request Build choose test and release builds for iOS and Android. You’ll receive test builds via TestFlight (iOS) and QR/download for Android. Test critical flows: login/registration, content loading, navigation, push notifications, and branding. Check for broken links and missing elements.
9. Submit to app stores
From the Build page’s Release Apps tab, use Upload to Google Play Console and Upload to App Store Connect. Prepare store metadata: descriptions, screenshots, icons, and keywords. Apple reviews can take a few days, Google is typically faster. Respond promptly to any review feedback and resubmit if needed.
Post-launch maintenance
Content updates sync automatically. Structural changes, new features, branding updates, or API changes require new builds and resubmissions. Keep testing after each build and maintain your Firebase and developer accounts.
Common questions
– Do I need to code? No—MemberPress AppKit is designed as a no-code solution.
– Do members need new accounts? No—members sign in with their existing MemberPress credentials.
– Can I use Stripe/PayPal in the app? For digital content sold inside the app, Apple and Google generally require native In-App Purchases; platform fees may apply. External payment links for physical goods or services may be allowed depending on store rules.
– What if my app is rejected? Rejections are common and usually fixable by following store reviewer guidance and resubmitting.
– Are push notifications free? Firebase allows free push notifications; AppKit integrates with Firebase for delivery.
Summary
MemberPress AppKit is the fastest, lowest-effort way to convert a MemberPress site into native iOS and Android apps. The process: connect AppKit, configure Apple/Google/Firebase, enable features and branding, build and test, then submit to the stores. Once approved, your members get a native app experience that reduces friction, improves engagement, and helps retention.