Hello there,
I am trying to publish an app for the first time, and I have a question regarding the the guidelines, especially 3.1.1.
In summary, I have a web application that offers a subscription. As I started getting some user requests, I created an iOS application and submitted it to the App Store.
The iOS application serves as a dashboard, providing users with a view of some data from the web app. Its primary function is to complement the web app, which is where users must go to utilise the platform fully.
Depending on the subscription type they choose, there is nothing unlocking. All users have the standard functionality. The iOS version makes no sense if they do not use the web application; the iOS app is like a companion tool.
I was kindly rejected; the argument was: Your app accesses digital content purchased outside the app, such as paid plans, but that content isn't available to purchase using in-app purchase.
If they buy the app from the App Store, then it won't make any sense as it does not have any features that the user needs.
I am quickly getting discouraged from publishing an iOS app, as adding the IAP will not improve the user experience and will also add many technical issues.
Shopify is an excellent example of my case. They take payments outside and have an app. The user can only fully use Shopify if they have used the web version, right? There are still things the user can do on Shopify mobile app but on my case, there is nothing can be done other then viewing some data they created on the web application.
Has anyone had this experience before and found any solutions?
