(Sorry for the long post TL;DR Are virtual currency's [in app token that can be withdrawn into USD] that users can use to unlock digital content allowed , do they require IAP, and is there a service that handles this like revenue cat?)
Im working on a new project and trying to figure out if this is possible, ive seen some conflicting comments on various dev forums and wondering if anyone has any experience with this before I get shredded by app review
I want to implement a virtual economy in my app, where users can pay each other in "tokens" that are 1:1 USD in exchange for digital content and peer to peer features, I need users to be able to withdraw these tokens into their bank account. I was thinking of using a hybrid approach, where users can buy tokens using IAP (apple takes the 30% lets assume for now the user internalizes this so they pay 1.3 for 1 token also I assume this counts as unlocking digital content) spend tokens in the virtual economy, and then use a 3rd party service like stripe connect to payout allowances that have been earned (preventing people from just cycling money through the payments flow without earning it).
Is this allowed? Ive seen some people say this is not allowed but ive seen apps (like bubble cash) that seemingly have payouts integrated right in their native iOS builds. And upon reviewing 3.11 i don't see any prohibition of a withdrawal functionality unless it is with respect to gambling apps. 3.1 Payments
3.1.1 In-App Purchase:
If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc. Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase, except as set forth in 3.1.3(a).
Apps may use in-app purchase currencies to enable customers to “tip” the developer or digital content providers in the app.
Any credits or in-game currencies purchased via in-app purchase may not expire, and you should make sure you have a restore mechanism for any restorable in-app purchases.
Apps may enable gifting of items that are eligible for in-app purchase to others. Such gifts may only be refunded to the original purchaser and may not be exchanged.
Is there any service like revenuecat that handles virtual currency's (non crypto) for ios apps? Or maybe is there a way to use apple cash to achieve a similar result? I see this stuff but I think I wont qualify as although there is a peer to peer payment and real life aspect the app is also focused on users being able to unlock each others digital content in exchange for money
3.1.3(d) Person-to-Person Services: If your app enables the purchase of real-time person-to-person services between two individuals (for example tutoring students, medical consultations, real estate tours, or fitness training), you may use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments. One-to-few and one-to-many real-time services must use in-app purchase.
3.1.3(e) Goods and Services Outside of the App: If your app enables people to purchase physical goods or services that will be consumed outside of the app, you must use purchase methods other than in-app purchase to collect those payments, such as Apple Pay or traditional credit card entry.
Or does anyone know any good threads or places where this is discussed,
Thanks!!!