App Store 3.2.1 rejection: Conditionally allowed business models
By The Draftbit team · Updated
Sources checked
This guide is for iPhone and iPad apps relying on Apple's allowances for rentals, Wallet, insurance, fundraising, gifts, or financial services.
Apple may allow your business model but still require evidence that its conditions are met. Guideline 3.2.1 covers several unrelated arrangements. Use the Roman-numeral reference in the notice to find the relevant one.
3.2.1(i): promoting your own apps
You can promote your other apps, but the submitted app needs a purpose beyond being their catalog. Demonstrate the useful experience people receive here.
3.2.1(ii): specialized app collections
Recommendations of third-party apps need a specific approved purpose and substantial editorial content. We’d show the selection criteria and useful guidance, rather than a storefront-style list.
3.2.1(iii): rentals
Access to specific approved rental media can expire after the rental period. Don’t extend that allowance to other purchased items or services. Test expiration and the purchase explanation together.
3.2.1(iv): Wallet passes
Use passes for supported purposes such as payments, offers, and identification. Check the pass’s actual function and issuer rather than treating Wallet as general-purpose storage.
3.2.1(v): insurance
Insurance apps must be free, comply with local legal requirements, and use payment methods other than in-app purchase. Provide the relevant operator and licensing evidence.
3.2.1(vi): nonprofit fundraising
Approved nonprofits can fundraise under Apple’s conditions, including Apple Pay, an explanation of fund use, legal compliance, and appropriate tax receipts. Platforms listing nonprofits must verify that each has completed the approval process.
3.2.1(vii): personal gifts
A genuinely optional monetary gift between individuals can avoid in-app purchase when the recipient receives all the funds. If the gift is connected to digital content or services, in-app purchase is required. Check fees and what the giver receives.
3.2.1(viii): financial services
Financial trading, investing, and money-management apps should be submitted by the institution providing the service, with necessary permissions wherever offered.
Prepare the evidence for your clause
Test the actual transaction or access flow and document the operator, eligibility, and any required approval. Give Apple the precise clause and the steps to verify its conditions. An allowance for one model doesn’t cover a different product sold beside it.
Messages this guide can help with
App Store 3.2.1 rejection; app store 3.2.1 denial; Guideline 3.2.1; Conditionally allowed business models; 3.2.1(i); 3.2.1(ii); 3.2.1(iii); 3.2.1(iv); 3.2.1(v); 3.2.1(vi); 3.2.1(vii); 3.2.1(viii)
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 3.2.1 Checked 22 September 2026