Physical Product Payment for Digital Access - IAP Required

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Created 2w

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Hello,

I’m looking for clarification on how the App Store Review Guidelines apply to our app and whether there is a compliant way to restrict access to existing customers of our physical products.

We sell nutrition products and have developed an app that provides personalised guidance, planning and feedback to help customers use our products effectively.

The app is intended to be a complimentary companion to our physical products, provided as an added benefit of purchasing those products. We do not charge customers separately for app access, and we do not intend to monetise the app as a standalone digital service.

To reflect this model, we implemented a promotion code mechanism to grant access to customers who have purchased our physical products. However, our app has been rejected during App Review because it does not offer In-App Purchase (IAP).

Could you please clarify whether there is a compliant mechanism by which we can restrict access to customers who have purchased our physical products, without making the app freely available to everyone or requiring customers to purchase digital access through IAP?

In particular, we would appreciate guidance on whether this model can be permitted under the guidelines relating to physical goods and companion apps, and whether there is an alternative access or distribution mechanism we should consider.

We want to ensure that our approach fully complies with Apple's requirements while allowing us to provide this added value to our physical product customers.

Thank you for your guidance.

Kind regards,
Josh
FLYCARB

Answer 1 · 2w

Pokpong OP

2w

The key distinction is what the code unlocks. Guideline 3.1.3(e) allows payment outside the app for physical goods consumed outside the app, but it does not automatically cover paid digital features in the app. Guideline 3.1.1 generally requires IAP when a code or account unlocks digital functionality. The companion-app exception in 3.1.4 is specifically for certain physical products or hardware, so it may not fit nutrition plans and personalized in-app feedback by itself.

If access really is included at no extra charge with a physical product, explain that exact flow to App Review and ask which guideline they believe applies. Include screenshots and a reviewer account/code that demonstrates no separate digital purchase is being sold. You could also ask for clarification through the resolution center before resubmitting. The final decision depends on the app’s actual features and purchase flow.

Apple’s guidelines: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/