Hi there
I am developing an app which allows users to purchase (buy/sell) digital goods and items with virtual coins (digital goods marketplace).
Users will be able to buy the coins with traditional credit card entry or apple pay (i think it will be cc though, because of a-pay 30% commission and restoring mechanism).
Subsequently, these goods (for example, swords) users can transfer to/use in the specific game.
Please advise is this business model corresponds to apple review guidelines?
According to 3.1.1, specifically 3.1.3(b) and 3.1.5(a) it is rather ok that app allows users to purchase goods which can be used not even in the app and I am not going to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, right?
Also now I am investigating Steam mobile app, which also allows user to purchase (buy/sell) in-game items or even games with in-app account balance (USD) (you fill your balance with simple credit card entry, they don't even have a-pay).
What are you thinking about my payment model:
credit card > virtual coin > buy/sell virtual item (which can be used in rather different game, for example pc game)?
Or I it rather better to use: credit card entry > account balance (f.e. USD) > virtual item (Steam payment model)?
Or even this idea will be rejected by the apple in advance? 😟
Thank you in advance!
I am really looking for your help!
^^
Purchasing digital goods & in-game items | Understanding IAP review guidelines
Read the guidelines again. You must use Apple‘s in app purchase api and give them 30%.
Hi, PBK
Thx for your reply! 🙂
OK. Seems I must use Apple‘s in app purchase api (30%) if I am going to allow purchase goods which will be used within the app:
apple pay > virtual coin > buy/sell virtual item
Please advise according model: credit card entry > account balance (f.e. USD) > virtual item (digital item which can be used outside the app)
So am I right that if goods will be used outside the app (like in-game items for example for pc game), it is ok to use traditional credit card entry, not Apple's in app purchase api.
1) there is no 'apple pay' in in app purchases. Apple Pay is a credit card system used outside of IAP to directly charge the user - it is a substitute for Pay Pal not IAP.
2) 'if goods will be used outside the app' - that's not the criteria. The criteria is 'if goods cannot be used in the app'. Only then you can use a system other than IAP (including a system like Apple Pay, if you wish).
I see.
The criteria is 'if goods cannot be used in the app'.
So if in-game items can be used in the app like in trading or exchanging, I need to use classic IAP?
The exact guidelines are here:
https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#in-app-purchase
And specififcally for your case:
3.1.1 ........If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app..... you must use in-app purchase.
That is what you are doing. If the goods are only to be used outside the app then don't let the features be used in the app.