If your app unlocks digital content or features, that purchase has to go through StoreKit — an external payment link or website checkout for the same content isn't allowed.
Why apps actually get flagged
This is a common trigger for apps that started as web products and bolted on a purchase flow that still points to a website checkout instead of native IAP.
A real example
"We found that your app uses a payment method other than in-app purchase for digital content, which is not appropriate for the App Store."
The short version, in more detail
Guideline 3.1.1 says that if an app sells digital content or unlocks digital features inside the app, it generally has to use Apple's In-App Purchase. Apps get rejected when they accept payment through a website, a third-party processor or crypto for something consumed inside the app, or when they steer users to do so. The rules around external links and regional exceptions have changed over time and differ by country, so the current text for your region is what counts.
What this guideline covers
Digital goods and features consumed in the app, such as premium content, subscriptions, credits and virtual items.
Restrictions on promoting or linking to other ways to pay for those items.
Requirements around restoring purchases and presenting products clearly.
Boundaries between digital goods and physical goods or real-world services, which are treated differently.
Regional rules and exceptions that apply in certain countries or for certain app types.
What usually triggers this rejection
Features, credits, premium content or subscriptions are unlocked through a payment made outside the app.
The app includes a button, link, QR code or message that leads to an outside purchase of digital content, where that is not permitted.
In-app purchase products are described in the app but were not created or attached to the version in App Store Connect.
There is no way to restore previous purchases.
Virtual currency or in-game items are sold through a non-Apple method.
A feature that appears free in review turns out to be gated behind a payment the reviewer cannot see.
How reviewers evaluate it
Reviewers look for any path in the app that leads to a payment for digital content.
They read the app's text, screens and links for calls to action that point to outside purchases.
They check whether products referenced in the app exist and can be purchased in review.
They consider the type of app, since some categories and regions have specific exceptions.
Common misunderstandings
The rule is not about physical goods or services delivered outside the app, which are generally handled differently.
Mentioning a price or a website in the app can be treated as steering, even without a payment button.
The rules are not identical everywhere. What is allowed in one region may not be in another.
Common questions
Is a ticket to an in-person event a digital good?
Services consumed outside the app, such as in-person events, are generally treated differently from digital content, but the specific clause and region matter.
Do free apps with a paid web account need In-App Purchase?
A separate guideline covers free standalone companion apps to a web service, with conditions about not purchasing or promoting purchases in the app.
Why do these rules seem to change?
External-purchase rules have been affected by legal and regulatory developments in different regions, so the text is updated periodically.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact wording.
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