This analysis describes what Apple's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This prohibition prevents developers from placing paywalls on device capabilities and Apple services that users already have access to by virtue of owning their device or subscribing to Apple services.
Interpretive note: Both categories use 'such as', indicating the named items are examples. The full scope of prohibited monetization targets is broader than the named examples.
The updated guidelines do not directly affect end users of apps, but they establish new requirements for developers submitting apps to the App Store. Developers must now provide regulatory documentation for apps requiring approval, implement content moderation safeguards for user-generated content and AI content creation platforms, and ensure all app information and creative assets meet specific accuracy and appropriateness standards. Developers who fail to implement safeguards or remediate violations after notice may be considered in violation of the Developer Code of Conduct, potentially resulting in app removal or account termination.
View change record →Developers cannot charge you separately for access to built-in device features like the camera or Push Notifications, or for Apple services such as Apple Music, within their apps.
How other platforms handle this
These financial incentives are reasonably related to the value of the data you provide.
"You may not monetize built-in capabilities provided by the hardware or operating system, such as Push Notifications, the camera, or the gyroscope; or Apple services and technologies, such as Apple Music access...Excerpt from Apple's App Store Review Guidelines
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This prohibition prevents developers from placing paywalls on device capabilities and Apple services that users already have access to by virtue of owning their device or subscribing to Apple services.
Developers cannot charge you separately for access to built-in device features like the camera or Push Notifications, or for Apple services such as Apple Music, within their apps.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 115 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple.