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App Store rejectionGuideline 3.1.1 - Business - Payments - In-App Purchase

Your app takes payments, maybe through Stripe, and App Review sent it back under 3.1.1. Whether Apple requires in-app purchase depends on what people are buying. Here’s the rule in Apple’s words, the cases where other payment methods are allowed, and what to change.

Short answer

If people pay to unlock something inside the app, such as a subscription, premium content or credits, Apple requires in-app purchase. Physical goods and services used outside the app must use another payment method, such as Stripe or Apple Pay. Links to buy on your website are allowed in United States storefront apps; elsewhere they generally need one of Apple’s entitlements.

Which payments need in-app purchase

  1. 01

    Digital unlocks paid outside in-app purchase

    “Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc.” Apple, Guideline 3.1.1

    A Stripe checkout shown inside the app, a license key or a code that unlocks paid features is what 3.1.1 rejects. Sell those as in-app purchases or subscriptions through App Store Connect, and unlock them in the app when the purchase is confirmed.

  2. 02

    Physical goods and real-world services

    “you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments, such as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry.” Apple, Guideline 3.1.3(e)

    If people buy something used outside the app, such as products shipped to them, a booking or a ride, Apple says you must collect payment with a method other than in-app purchase, such as Apple Pay or a card. Keep Stripe or Apple Pay for these, and make the app’s description and screens show clearly what is being bought.

  3. 03

    A button to buy on your website

    “These entitlements are not required for developers to include buttons, external links, or other calls to action in their United States storefront apps.” Apple, Guideline 3.1.1(a)

    In apps on the United States storefront, buttons and links to buy on your website are allowed. In other storefronts, a link needs one of Apple’s entitlements, so check which storefronts the app is offered in before adding one.

  4. 04

    No way to restore purchases

    “Any credits or in-game currencies purchased via in-app purchase may not expire, and you should make sure you have a restore mechanism for any restorable in-app purchases.” Apple, Guideline 3.1.1

    When you do use in-app purchase, add a way for people to restore what they bought, for example after reinstalling the app or on a new device.

Checked against the vendor’s docs on : Apple: App Review Guidelines, 3.1 Payments (last updated October 16, 2026); Apple: App Review (replying and appeals).

Rather hand it over?

Start with a paid consultation to agree what to change, then get a written quote with a fixed price.

Related: App Store Guideline 2.1 · Stripe paid but account not upgraded · Payments and Stripe integrations

Questions

More on this rejection

Should I reply to App Review or appeal?

Reply first. Apple says you can correspond with App Review in App Store Connect to resolve the issues before resubmitting, which is the place for a demo account, a screen recording or an explanation. Appeal to the App Review Board only if you believe App Review misunderstood the app or treated you unfairly. Apple allows one appeal per rejected submission and asks for specific reasons the app complies.

Can people who subscribed on my website use the app?

Yes, under 3.1.3(b), apps on several platforms may let people use what they bought on your website, provided those items are also available as in-app purchases within the app.

My app books tutoring or consultations. Do I need in-app purchase?

Not for real-time services between two people, such as tutoring or medical consultations: 3.1.3(d) allows other payment methods. One-to-few and one-to-many real-time services must use in-app purchase.

Can you help with a 3.1.1 rejection?

It starts with a paid consultation to look at the rejection and what your app sells, and agree which payments move to in-app purchase. If it needs building, you get a written quote with a fixed price.

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