App Store Reject

Guideline 3.1.2

Guideline 3.1.2(c) - Subscriptions: Vague Description or Missing Pricing Before Paywall

Low SeverityEasy FixTypical Fix: 1-2 hours0 Reports
Also known as:Subscription description is too vague to understand what is includedPrice and billing period not displayed before purchase initiationApp Store subscription description lacks specific feature detailsPaywall does not clearly communicate subscription terms

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because the subscription description is too vague to help users understand what they are paying for, or because the pricing and duration are not clearly displayed before the user reaches the purchase confirmation. Apple requires that users fully understand what a subscription includes, how much it costs, and how long each billing period is before they commit. This rejection covers two related issues: (1) the App Store product description and in-app marketing do not clearly explain what the subscription provides, and (2) the price and billing period are not visible in the purchase flow before the StoreKit confirmation sheet. Apple wants users to have complete information at every step. Vague descriptions like 'Premium access,' 'Pro features,' or 'Full functionality' without specifics are commonly flagged. Similarly, showing a 'Subscribe' button that jumps straight to the StoreKit sheet without first displaying the price and period on your own UI is problematic.

Resolution Guide

01

Write specific subscription descriptions

Replace vague terms with concrete features. Instead of 'Premium access,' write 'Includes: unlimited cloud storage, AI-powered search, priority support, and ad-free experience.'

02

Display pricing prominently

Before the user taps any purchase button, your UI must clearly show:

  • The exact price (e.g., $9.99)

    • - The billing period (e.g., per month, per year)

    - Auto-renewal language (e.g., 'Renews automatically')

    - Trial duration and post-trial price (if applicable)

    03

    Update App Store Connect descriptions

    In App Store Connect, update each subscription product's display name and description to be specific and informative.

    04

    List features on your paywall

    Include a bulleted list of specific features or benefits on the subscription screen. Users should know exactly what they get.

    05

    Include all required subscription information

    Ensure your purchase flow shows: subscription name, price, duration, auto-renewal disclosure, and links to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    Prevention

  • Write subscription descriptions as if the user knows nothing about your app
  • Always show price and billing period on your own UI before the StoreKit sheet
  • Use Apple's SubscriptionStoreView for automatic compliance
  • Review Apple's subscription information requirements checklist before each submission

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 3.1.2 - Guideline 3.1.2(c) - Subscriptions: Vagu
    Guideline 3.1.2(c) - Business - Payments - Subscriptions The auto-renewable subscription information provided in the app and the App Store product description is not clear enough for users to understand what they are subscribing to. Specifically: - The subscription description uses vague terms like 'Premium access' without detailing specific features included. - The subscription price and billing period are not clearly displayed before users initiate the purchase. Next Steps: Please revise the subscription information to clearly describe the features included in the subscription and ensure the price and billing period are prominently displayed before the purchase is initiated.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    Paywall shows 'Upgrade to Premium' with a 'Subscribe' button that goes directly to the StoreKit sheet; no feature list, price, or billing period visible on the paywall itself

    After — Approved

    Paywall lists specific features (unlimited exports, cloud sync, AI assistant, ad-free), shows '$9.99/month - Renews automatically', and includes Terms and Privacy links, all before the user taps Subscribe

    What changed: Users must understand exactly what they are subscribing to, at what price, and for what duration before reaching the purchase confirmation.

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