App Store Reject

Guideline 3.1.2

Guideline 3.1.2 - Subscriptions: Free Trial Transparency

Medium SeverityMedium FixTypical Fix: 2-8 hours0 Reports
Also known as:Free trial does not make clear that payment will automatically beginIntroductory period does not clearly indicate automatic billingFree trial promoted more clearly than the billed amountIntroductory pricing promoted more conspicuously than subscription cost

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because the subscription purchase flow does not clearly communicate that a payment will automatically begin after the free trial or introductory period ends. This is one of the most common 3.1.2 rejections.


The core issue is that users could reasonably not understand they will be charged when the trial expires. Apple wants the transition from free to paid to be unmistakable — not buried in fine print or overshadowed by promotional language about the trial itself.


This rejection often comes alongside the calculated pricing prominence rejection, since both relate to how subscription terms are visually presented in the purchase flow.

Resolution Guide

01

Add explicit trial-to-paid language

Include text like "After your 7-day free trial, you will be automatically charged $9.99/month" directly on the purchase screen. Don't make users tap into terms to find this.

02

Make the billed amount the most prominent price

The actual subscription price (e.g., "$9.99/month") must be larger, bolder, and more visible than any "FREE" or "$0.00" trial callout.

03

De-emphasize trial promotion

Move trial language to a subordinate position. It can still be mentioned, but the billing amount must dominate the layout.

04

Use Apple's SubscriptionStoreView

Consider using Apple's native SubscriptionStoreView which handles compliant presentation automatically.

05

Check font, size, color, and position

Apple explicitly calls out these factors. The billed amount should be in a larger font, higher contrast color, and more prominent position than trial text.


Prevention


  • Use Apple's SubscriptionStoreView for the simplest compliant path
  • If building a custom paywall, follow Apple's HIG for auto-renewable subscriptions
  • A/B test paywalls cautiously — aggressive trial promotion is a rejection magnet

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 3.1.2 - Subscriptions: Free Trial Transparency
    One or more auto-renewable subscriptions are marketed in the purchase flow in a way that may mislead or confuse users about the subscription terms or pricing. Specifically: - The app offers a free trial or introductory period but does not make it clear that a payment will be automatically initiated for the next subscription period. - The auto-renewable subscription promotes the free trial, introductory pricing, or introductory period for the subscription more clearly and conspicuously than the billed amount.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    Large banner: 'START YOUR FREE TRIAL' with small grey text underneath: '$9.99/mo after trial'

    After — Approved

    Primary text: '$9.99/month' in large bold font, with supporting text: 'Includes 7-day free trial — billing begins automatically after trial ends'

    What changed: The billed amount must be the most prominent pricing element. Trial information is supplementary, not the headline.

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