App Store Reject

Guideline 4.9

Guideline 4.9 - Design: Apple Pay Recurring Payment Without Required Disclosures

Medium RiskMedium DifficultyTypical Fix: 2-8 hours0 Reports
Also known as:Recurring payment terms not disclosed before Apple Pay authorizationMissing cancellation instructions for Apple Pay recurring paymentsAutomatic renewal terms not displayed before payment sheetRecurring payment amount and frequency not clearly communicatedApple Pay subscription charges not adequately disclosed

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because it uses Apple Pay for recurring or subscription payments but does not provide the required disclosures about the recurring nature of the charges. When using Apple Pay for automatic recurring payments (as opposed to In-App Purchase subscriptions), you must clearly disclose the recurring terms before the user authorizes the payment. This rejection applies to apps using Apple Pay's `PKRecurringPaymentRequest` or similar recurring payment flows. Apple requires that the user sees: the amount that will be charged, the frequency of charges, how to cancel, and that the payment will recur automatically. This information must be displayed before the Apple Pay payment sheet appears — not just in terms and conditions. Many developers trip over this because they assume the Apple Pay payment sheet itself provides adequate disclosure. It doesn't — you need to show the recurring terms in your own UI before the user taps the Apple Pay button. The fastest compliant path is to add a clear recurring payment disclosure screen or section immediately before the Apple Pay button, showing the payment amount, billing frequency, cancellation instructions, and a link to your terms of service.

Resolution Guide

01

**Add a disclosure section** — Before the Apple Pay button, display a clearly visible section that states: 'You will be charged [amount] every [frequency]. This payment will automatically recur until cancelled.'


02

**Include cancellation instructions** — Add text explaining how to cancel: 'You can cancel anytime in [your app's settings / your account page / by contacting support at support@example.com].'


03

**Link to terms of service** — Include a tappable link to your Terms of Service that covers the recurring payment terms in detail.


04

**Use PKRecurringPaymentRequest correctly** — When setting up the recurring payment, provide accurate `paymentDescription`, `regularBilling` (with amount and interval), and `managementURL` so the payment sheet also reflects the recurring terms.


05

**Add a confirmation step** — Consider adding an explicit 'Review your subscription' screen between the plan selection and the Apple Pay button, showing all payment details.


06

**Provide post-purchase confirmation** — After payment, send a confirmation that reiterates the recurring terms and cancellation method.

Prevention

  • Always display recurring terms in your own UI before the Apple Pay sheet
  • Don't rely on the Apple Pay payment sheet alone for disclosure
  • Include managementURL in PKRecurringPaymentRequest for easy cancellation
  • Follow the same disclosure standards as IAP subscriptions

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 4.9 - Design: Apple Pay Recurring Payment With
    Guideline 4.9 - Design - Apple Pay Your app uses Apple Pay for recurring payments but does not provide adequate disclosure about the recurring nature of the charges before the user authorizes the payment. Specifically: - The recurring payment amount and frequency are not clearly displayed before the Apple Pay payment sheet - Cancellation instructions are not provided prior to payment authorization - The automatic renewal terms are not disclosed in the app's purchase flow Apps that use Apple Pay for recurring payments must clearly disclose all recurring payment terms before the user authorizes the transaction. Next Steps: Please revise your payment flow to include clear disclosure of the recurring payment amount, frequency, and cancellation instructions before presenting the Apple Pay payment sheet.

    Consider Appealing

    Appeal only if the reviewer missed disclosures that are clearly present in your UI. Provide screenshots showing the disclosure screen and its position in the payment flow. Otherwise, add disclosures and resubmit.

    Generate Appeal

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    User taps 'Subscribe with Apple Pay' button and the payment sheet appears immediately with no prior disclosure of recurring charges, amount, or cancellation policy

    After — Approved

    Before the Apple Pay button, a summary box displays: '$9.99/month, billed automatically. Cancel anytime in Account Settings.' with a 'View Terms' link. Only after reviewing this does the user tap the Apple Pay button

    What changed: Recurring payment terms must be displayed in your own UI before the Apple Pay payment sheet. The payment sheet alone is not adequate disclosure.

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