App Store guideline 3.2.1: Acceptable
This guideline lists business practices that are acceptable. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 3.2.1 Acceptable
- 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
- (i) Showing the developer's own apps inside the app for sale or promotion, as long as the app is more than a catalog of them.
- (ii) Showing or recommending a set of third-party apps built around one approved need, such as health management, aviation or accessibility. The app should carry robust editorial content so that it does not read as a mere storefront.
- (iii) Cutting off access to specific approved rental content (films, television programs, music, books) when the rental period ends. Everything else may not expire.
- (iv) Wallet passes may be used for payments, for sending offers and for identification, such as cinema tickets, coupons and VIP credentials. Any other use can lead to rejection of the app and revocation of Wallet credentials.
- (v) Insurance apps must be free, comply with the law in the regions where they are distributed, and cannot use in-app purchase.
- (vi) Approved nonprofits may raise funds directly inside their own apps or third-party apps, provided the campaigns follow all the guidelines and support Apple Pay. The apps must say how the money will be used, obey all required local and federal laws and make tax receipts available to donors. Further information is to be given to App Review when asked. A nonprofit platform that connects donors with other nonprofits has to ensure that each nonprofit it lists has also been through the nonprofit approval process.
- (vii) Apps may allow one person to send a monetary gift to another without in-app purchase, if the gift is completely voluntary for the giver and all of the money reaches the recipient. A gift linked in any way to receiving digital content or services has to go through in-app purchase.
- (viii) Apps for financial trading or money management should come from the financial institution that actually provides those services, and need the licensing and permissions required where they are offered.
Related guidelines
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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