have user unlock content by either in app purchase or a 'serial key'

We have a client that is selling a book. With each book comes a serial code which gives them access to an online tool accompanying the book.

Right now is it a webapp but the client would like it to be a native app.


In order to distribute it as a free app, as I understand it, we need to implement a 'free mode' and implemetn an in-app purchase mechanism to unlock the full app. But..


User are required to create a free account where they can use the free portion of the app. If they bought the book, they can login on our website and add the serialcode from inside the book to their account. Now they can Use the full app fucntionality on our website AND in the app.

We are also planning to offer in app purchase to unlock the full application.



Is this compliant with the guidelines from Apple.. ? Netflix also allows users to pay outside of the app and still use the app.


Thanks for the help, all this is soo confusing..

Replies

Few different things at work here. For starters...


About unlocking via 'serial key, see ASRGs 3.1.1 In-App Purchase


>client would like it to be a native app.


Is the client aware of the risks related to ASRG 4.2 Minimum Functionality


>User are required to create a free account where they can use the free portion of the app. If they bought the book


Are you aware of the ASRGs “Reader” Apps?


>also planning to offer in app purchase


In that case, you might want to move this to the IAP forum. See FAQ4 here: For Best Results - Read the Label


>Is this compliant with the guidelines from Apple.


Pls. note there are no pre-reviews, App Review isn't here, and no one here can offer any promise, just their opinion(s) and/or the occasional confirmation of what has previously been suggested.


My opinion is that having both internal and external processes for buying books can create a risk during review, again, see “Reader” apps via the ASRGs.


Good luck.