App Store guideline 3.1.4: Hardware-Specific Content
In limited circumstances, functionality that depends on specific hardware may be unlocked without in-app purchase. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 3.1.4 Hardware-Specific Content
- Section
- 3. Business
- This page
- Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Version
- Guidelines last updated October 16, 2026
- Official source
- Apple's App Review Guidelines
What it means
- The example is an astronomy app that gains features once paired with a telescope.
- Features that complement an approved physical item, a toy for instance, and are optional may be unlocked without in-app purchase, provided an in-app purchase route exists too.
- Apps may not make users buy unrelated products, or take part in advertising or marketing activities, to unlock functionality.
Apple's text
This page is an unofficial explanation in our own words. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails. Apple's wording is on its page, linked below.
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