App Store 3.1.4 rejection: Hardware-specific paid features
By The Draftbit team · Updated
Sources checked
This guide is for iPhone and iPad apps granting features through a connected physical product.
A hardware purchase can justify some access without in-app purchase, but only under the conditions in 3.1.4. Apple distinguishes functionality that depends on the hardware from optional functionality that can work without it.
Check the dependency
Describe what the feature does and why the physical device is necessary. We’d test the app with and without that device. A telescope-dependent function has a different relationship to hardware from an unrelated accessory used as an access key.
Provide the appropriate purchase route
In the limited cases where functionality genuinely depends on specific hardware, Apple may allow it to be granted without in-app purchase. Optional functionality associated with an approved physical product must also offer an in-app purchase option. Unrelated product purchases or marketing tasks can’t be required to gain app functionality.
Test pairing, hardware removal, and the alternate purchase route where needed. Give Apple the device dependency and review instructions, including access to a demonstration if the reviewer can’t readily obtain the hardware. Avoid claiming that every connected-device app qualifies for the exception.
Messages this guide can help with
App Store 3.1.4 rejection; app store 3.1.4 denial; Guideline 3.1.4; Hardware-specific paid features
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 3.1.4 Checked 22 September 2026