Store policy risk when creators push web-shop-only discounts

Creators who tell players to skip the store IAP for a cheaper web-shop SKU can collide with App Store payment rules that still differ by storefront.

What Apple’s public guidelines say

App Store Review Guidelines §3.1.1 require in-app purchase to unlock digital features and content inside the app. §3.1.1(a) states that StoreKit External Purchase Link entitlements are not required for buttons, external links or other calls to action in United States storefront apps, while in other storefronts apps and metadata generally may not include such calls to action except where an entitlement applies. §3.1.3 notes that communications outside the app about other purchase methods are allowed even where in-app steering remains restricted.

Separately, Apple’s EU communication and promotion of offers page describes EU external-purchase-link options under alternative terms (page noted terms changes around October 2026 when we opened it—re-check before relying on fee figures).

Operator implication for creator briefs

Facts versus limits

Download the policy card.

Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human and counsel review pending. Author null.