With the release of iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1, Apple is updating the App Store review guidelines provided to developers who create apps for iPhone and iPad.
Apple now requires apps to provide the App App Review team with full access to the app and to provide a valid demo account or demo mode for apps that include account-based features. This change will make it easier for app reviewers to investigate all parameters of an app.
The guidelines now prohibit any notion of trying to exploit or profit from “recent or current events such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks and pandemics”. With the Matter smart home standard now integrated into iOS, Matter-enabled apps must use Apple’s Matter support framework to initiate pairing.
Notably, the update prevents apps from using NFTs to bypass in-app purchase rules. apple’s guidelines state that apps can use the in-app purchase system to sell NFTs and related services, but apps designed to allow users to view NFTs cannot use NFT ownership as a mechanism to unlock in-app features or functionality. Browsing of apps using NFTs is permitted, but cannot include buttons, links or other solicitation terms used as a purchasing mechanism (other than in-app purchases).
Apple states that in-app purchases are not required for apps created solely to allow advertisers to buy and manage campaigns across media types, and clarifies that digital purchases such as “boosts” in social media apps such as Facebook do require the use of in-app purchases. The guidance states.
“Ad management apps: Apps that are used only to allow advertisers (individuals or companies promoting products, services or campaigns) to buy and manage campaigns across media types (TV, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not require the use of in-app purchases. These apps are intended to be used for campaign management purposes and do not display advertising per se. Digital purchases of content to be experienced or consumed in the app, including the purchase of ads to be displayed in the same app (such as selling “boosts” for posts in social media apps), must use in-app purchases.”
The App Store guidelines also prohibit the use of music from iTunes and Apple Music previews for entertainment value and allow apps to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions as long as the feature is only available in countries where the app is properly licensed.
