App Store guideline 4.7: Software offered inside apps
Apps can offer some software that is kept outside the binary, but the developer answers for it and it must follow the guidelines. Unofficial explanation, not affiliated with Apple. Apple's text prevails.
- Guideline
- 4.7 Software offered inside apps
- Section
- 4. Design
- 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 kinds covered are mini apps and mini games built with HTML5 or JavaScript, streaming games, chatbots and plug-ins. Retro game console and PC emulator apps may also offer to download games.
- The developer is responsible for all such software, including making sure it follows these guidelines and all applicable laws.
- The additional rules in 4.7.1 to 4.7.5 apply, which the text says helps preserve the experience customers expect and keeps users safe.
What reviewers look at
The guideline says that if the offered software breaks one or more guidelines, the app is rejected.
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.
Want the guidelines grouped by app type?
If we publish the guidelines grouped by what you are building (subscriptions, kids apps, sign-in), we write to you once. We use the email for nothing else.