App Store guideline 3.2.2: Unacceptable
This guideline lists business practices that are not acceptable. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 3.2.2 Unacceptable
- 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) Building an interface that lists third-party apps, extensions or plug-ins in the manner of the App Store, or presents them as a broad general collection.
- (iii) Inflating ad impressions or clicks artificially, and apps made mainly to show ads.
- (iv) Collecting money inside the app for charities and fundraisers, unless the app belongs to an approved nonprofit or is otherwise allowed under 3.2.1 (vi). Apps raising money for such causes have to be free and can only take donations outside the app, for example through Safari or SMS.
- (v) Restricting who can use the app on arbitrary grounds, for example location or carrier.
- (vii) Manipulating a user's visibility, status or ranking on other services by artificial means, except where the terms of that service allow it.
- (viii) Binary options trading apps are not permitted, and the text suggests a web app instead. Apps for trading CFDs (contracts for difference) or other derivatives, FOREX for example, need proper licensing in every jurisdiction where the service is offered.
- (ix) Apps that offer personal loans must disclose every loan term clearly and prominently, including the equivalent maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and the repayment due date. A loan app may not charge a maximum APR above 36% including costs and fees, and may not demand repayment in full within 60 days or sooner.
- (x) Apps may not force users to rate or review them, download other apps or perform other store-related actions to get functionality, content or use of the app. Rewarding specific in-app actions, such as finishing a level or watching an ad, is otherwise fine.
- Items (ii) and (vi) are marked in the guidelines as intentionally omitted.
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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