App Store 3.1.3 rejection: Other purchase methods
By The Draftbit team · Updated
Sources checked
This guide is for iPhone and iPad apps relying on an exception to Apple's in-app purchase requirements.
Having a website checkout doesn’t tell you whether your app can use it. Guideline 3.1.3 describes particular kinds of purchases and services that can qualify for another payment route. We’d match the actual transaction to a clause, then check the separate rules for links and purchase prompts.
3.1.3(a): reader apps
Reader apps can provide access to previously purchased magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video. Free-tier account creation and management for existing customers are allowed. Account links can require the External Link Account Entitlement outside the United States storefront. An app with some text in it isn’t automatically a reader app.
3.1.3(b): multiplatform services
People can access qualifying content or features bought on another platform, provided those items are also available through in-app purchase in the app. Check both the existing customer’s sign-in and the new customer’s purchase route.
3.1.3(c): enterprise services
The exception covers direct sales to organizations or groups for employees or students. Consumer, individual, and family sales require in-app purchase. Labeling a consumer plan “business” doesn’t change who buys it.
3.1.3(d): one-to-one services
Real-time services between 2 individuals, such as a private lesson, can use another payment method. One-to-few or one-to-many live services require in-app purchase. Verify the actual participant model.
3.1.3(e): physical goods and outside services
Use another payment method for physical goods or services consumed outside the app. A physical delivery differs from access to a digital course inside the app, even when both are sold by the same business.
3.1.3(f): free companion apps
A free stand-alone companion to a paid web tool can qualify when it has no in-app purchasing or purchase calls to action. Check account setup and upgrade screens against the clause and applicable storefront rules.
3.1.3(g): advertising management
An app solely for buying and managing advertising campaigns across media can qualify. Buying a boost shown in the same social app is a digital purchase requiring in-app purchase.
Test the exception and the link separately
Check 3.1.1(a) for external purchase-link and storefront conditions. Verify what appears to a new user in each supported storefront. Give Apple the clause, product, buyer, and steps that demonstrate why the exception fits.
Messages this guide can help with
App Store 3.1.3 rejection; app store 3.1.3 denial; Guideline 3.1.3; Other purchase methods; 3.1.3(a); 3.1.3(b); 3.1.3(c); 3.1.3(d); 3.1.3(e); 3.1.3(f); 3.1.3(g)
Official sources
We checked these instructions against the sources below. The console layout may change, and your review decision may call for different steps.
- Apple App Review guideline 3.1.3 Checked 22 September 2026