App Store 3.1.1 rejection: In-app purchases and digital access

If a payment gives someone a digital feature inside the app, Apple generally expects in-app purchase. Guideline 3.1.1 also covers the ways apps grant that access. A license key, QR code, or crypto payment isn’t automatically an allowed alternative.

Inspect what the purchase grants

List each product and trace it from offer to access. Include tips to digital creators, virtual currencies, digital gift cards, and randomized virtual items. Purchased in-app currency must not expire; restorable purchases need a restore mechanism. For randomized purchases, disclose the chance of receiving each item type before the purchase.

We’d test restoration on a fresh installation using a test account with an existing entitlement. Seeing a successful payment dialog alone doesn’t show that access is handled correctly.

Check special products and trials

Physical gift cards mailed to customers can use another payment method; digital cards redeemable for digital goods fall under in-app purchase. Apple’s non-subscription timed-trial mechanism has specific product setup and disclosure requirements, so check those before treating it like a subscription free trial.

NFT services can use in-app purchase, but owning an NFT must not grant app functionality under this rule. Review browsing and purchase links separately.

3.1.1(a): links to other purchase methods

Apple’s current text allows buttons, external links, and calls to action in United States storefront apps without the entitlements described here. Other storefronts can require a qualifying entitlement and its conditions. Music-streaming arrangements also have specific regional rules. This is not a blanket permission to replace every digital payment flow worldwide.

Check the official entitlement documentation linked from the rule, your approval, and the storefront where the link appears. Keep purchase messaging accurate and explain the arrangement to App Review.

Verify the corrected purchase

Test a new purchase, restored access, cancelled payment, and relevant storefront variations. Explain which products use in-app purchase and the precise basis for any alternative. Use the first purchase review guide if Apple can’t find the product.