Apps with subscriptions must clearly show prices, billing periods, and how to cancel, and must provide an in-app cancellation option so users are not trapped in unwanted subscriptions.
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 provision establishes operational requirements for app developers participating in Apple's subscription ecosystem, creating standardized disclosure and cancellation mechanics across the platform. It functions as a compliance threshold that app developers must satisfy to maintain subscription offerings on the App Store.
The updated guidelines state that developers must ensure kids receive age-appropriate experiences within their apps and must remove user-generated content that violates the guidelines, terms of service, or community standards. Under the revised policy, if Apple identifies policy-violating content, the developer will be asked to remove it and provide a compliance improvement plan. Based on the developer's response, the app may be removed from the App Store until compliance is demonstrated. This establishes a formal escalation pathway where developer inaction or inadequate remediation can result in app suspension or removal.
View change record →Removal of this provision eliminates explicit requirements for subscription transparency and in-app cancellation management.
View full change record →Consumers must be clearly shown subscription prices and billing terms before being charged, and must have an accessible in-app way to cancel, reducing the risk of unexpected subscription charges on their credit card or iTunes account.
How other platforms handle this
Your Subscription will last for the Initial Term and will automatically renew, and your Payment Method will be charged, at the end of the Initial Term for an additional term equal in duration to the Initial Term and will continue to renew and incur charges for additional terms equal in duration to t...
To the extent permitted by the applicable law, payments are non-refundable and we do not provide refunds or credits for any partial subscription periods or unused Netflix content.
Unless otherwise indicated (for example, if you have signed up for a Prepaid Period), Paid Subscriptions continue indefinitely until cancelled. You will be billed on a recurring basis on the first day of each billing period and you will pay and you authorise us (or the applicable third party, if you...
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"Apps offering auto-renewing subscriptions must clearly describe what the customer will be charged, the duration of the subscription, and the upgrade/downgrade options available. Apps must give customers the ability to manage and cancel their subscriptions from within the app. Apps must not misrepresent the nature or purpose of their subscriptions.— Excerpt from Apple's Apple App Store Review Guidelines
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision implements FTC guidelines on negative option marketing (16 C.F.R. Part 425, updated 2023 Negative Option Rule) which require clear and conspicuous disclosure of subscription terms, easy cancellation, and prohibition on misrepresentation. It also engages California's Automatic Renewal Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17600 et seq.), which requires clear disclosure and affirmative consent for auto-renewals, and the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) requiring clear pre-contractual information and right of withdrawal.
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This provision establishes operational requirements for app developers participating in Apple's subscription ecosystem, creating standardized disclosure and cancellation mechanics across the platform. It functions as a compliance threshold that app developers must satisfy to maintain subscription offerings on the App Store.
Consumers must be clearly shown subscription prices and billing terms before being charged, and must have an accessible in-app way to cancel, reducing the risk of unexpected subscription charges on their credit card or iTunes account.
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