Referral program for subscription app

Let's say I want to build (iOS + Mac) free app which unlocks full functionality for paid subscription via in-app purchases API. To encourage natural growth, I would like to implement a referral program, similar to what apps like Uber have:

1. User invites their friends to my app (using a unique link or promo code)

2. Then for each activated invite they both (user who invited the friend and friend who used the invite) get a free month of access to premium version of the month.


Is there a way to implement such a system with App Store and Mac App Store? Is it even allowed by IAP guidlines? (I suspect not).


Now, let's say that this ideal system described above is impossible to build according to guidelines or tech limitations, but an alternative is to offer a free month of access only to users who used the invite. The user who originally sent the invite could get something else outside the app, let's say a free sticker if 10 of his friends signed up. This is easier to build and I think it doesn't contradict any guidelines. What do you think?


A reply from Apple representative would be extra valuable. Thank you for your help.

You won't get a response from an Apple person on this forum to a policy question.


The problem you have is the ever present possibility that you would 'sell' those promo codes outside of the IAP system thereby getting around the 30% fee Apple charges for distributing code - this is a violation of guideline 3.1.1. Also, 3.1.1 says you can't 'gift' IAP consumables to someone else. So I think your approach has problems.

After a good night's sleep, I disagree with myself.

Any app can reward a user for performance (e.g. after getting 10,000 points by shooting Mario) by letting the user advance to the next level (e.g. the next maze) - or you can purchase access to the next level through IAP. So why not reward someone for getting new users? It has to be done within the app - there can't be any way of gifting someone from outside the app to avoid the possibility of payments outside IAP.


One way to implement this is to let user 1 email other people from within the app with a link that opens the app's page in the App Store and another link that opens the app on the new user's device and contains a reference to user 1. If the new user has never credited another user then when they tap that second link they credit user 1 through a posting on CloudKit using reference in the link.

I'm thinking through this exact same scenario. Could you please tell me if anything worked out for you?


Apple rejected one of my apps recently for allowing an activation code to be used to unlock subscription content. They advised one of the following methods instead--the only acceptable methods:

1. Activation through SMS. I wasn't interested so I didn't ask for any more details, but now I'm curious how that could work.

2. A deep link would contain the activation code so the user can apply it by opening the link rather than through entering the code in the app.

3. Link the credit to the user's account so that it's automatically applied through logging in.


So I think this could be done on my website. The app could link to a web page where the user logs in and enters the code. The license is credited to his account and he sees a success message next time he opens the app.


Do you think Apple would accept this? Have you found any iOS apps which tie referrals to subscription time?

There is a company called Reef Referral that does something like this, wonder how they get around the app review process.

I came across the same issue so have created a SaaS solution, Insert Affiliate, which is now live and we are inviting up to 10 early users to our exclusive private beta!

Here you’ll be able to:

  • Drive sales for your in-app purchases with your new affiliate program.
  • Increase your brand exposure through your affiliates without any risky upfront costs.
  • Nurture trust with your affiliates by operating with complete transparency.

We are offering an early bird pricing discount until the 30th November for these first 10 users.

Due to the restrictions of the forums I'm unable to post a walkthrough but it can be found at our website - https://insertaffiliate.com

@rinatkhanov You could consider using GoMarketMe for this. It helps developers set up in-app referral systems where users can invite others and earn rewards. Everything happens within the app, staying compliant with Apple’s IAP rules. It tracks referrals using unique links or QR codes, ensuring rewards are based on user actions like purchases or subscriptions. Might be worth looking into as an option for your referral program.

Referral program for subscription app
 
 
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