App Store Reject

Guideline 3.1.1

Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase Requirement

High SeverityMedium FixTypical Fix: 1-2 days2 Reports
Also known as:App directs to external website for purchasesApp uses Stripe/PayPal for digital contentApp mentions external purchasing optionsApp links to web-based subscription page

Our Take

Your app uses a purchase mechanism other than in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps offering digital content, subscriptions, or unlockable features must use Apple's In-App Purchase system.


You may only direct users to a website or external payment method for purchasing digital goods or services for users within the United States, and those purchases must happen in a browser outside of the app.

Resolution Guide

01

Ensure you're only using other payment systems in the United States

Links to other payment systems are generally not allowed, except in the US as per guideline 3.1.1(a). Check your user segmentation so that only users with the United States storefront link to purchase methods other than Apple's IAP.


If you are already doing this, appeal and add a reviewer note explaining your explicit user segmentation setup.


If you are not doing this, proceed to the remaining resolution steps.

02

Audit all purchase touchpoints

Review every screen, button, and text reference in your app for external payment mentions, pricing, or subscription links.

03

Remove external purchase references

Delete or hide all buttons, links, text, and UI elements that reference external payments, website subscriptions, or non-IAP pricing.

04

Implement compliant alternatives

Either implement In-App Purchase for digital content, or remove purchase functionality entirely from the app (users can still purchase on web and sync content).

05

Update app copy and metadata

Ensure app description, screenshots, and in-app text don't reference external purchase options or pricing not available through IAP.

06

Test thoroughly

Verify no purchase flows, deep links, or user paths lead to external payment systems from within the app.


Prevention

  • Never include external payment buttons, links, or pricing in iOS apps
  • Use IAP for all digital goods consumed in-app
  • Keep web-based subscriptions completely separate from in-app experience
  • Review all text and UI for compliance before submission

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase Requirement
    We noticed that your app uses a mechanism other than the in-app purchase API to unlock functionality. Specifically, your app directs users to an external website for purchasing a subscription. Next Steps: Please revise your app to use the in-app purchase API to offer subscriptions.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    App has a 'Subscribe' button that opens Safari to a Stripe checkout page

    After — Approved

    App uses StoreKit subscription products configured in App Store Connect with native purchase sheet

    What changed: Replace all external payment flows with Apple's native IAP system for digital content

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