Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase: External Link for Digital Content in Reader App Without Entitlement

Apple is rejecting your reader app because it includes buttons, links, or calls to action that direct users to external purchase mechanisms for digital content without having the approved External Link Account entitlement. Even qualified reader apps cannot include purchase links within the app unless they have been explicitly granted this entitlement. However, a 2025 court ruling required that Apple allow developers to use external links to third-party payment providers like Stripe, Braintree, or Paddle, without an entitlement for US users only. While this is allowed, many apps fail to (1) include reviewer notes specifying how the app segments US users and explain that non-US users will only be able to purchase through IAPs, and (2) ensure they use a compliant purchase flow that links outside of the app to the default browser. For outside the US, reader apps (3.1.3(a)) are allowed to not offer IAP for content purchases, but that does not mean they can actively direct users to their website to buy content. The default reader app privilege is passive -- users can sign in to access content they purchased elsewhere, but the app itself cannot promote or link to external purchasing. To include a link to your website for purchases, you must apply for and receive the External Link Account entitlement. Once approved, you can include a single link, but Apple requires a disclosure sheet that informs users they are leaving the app and that Apple is not responsible for the external transaction.