We have Nextjs application and its subscription base and topup base. We want to publish our IOS app in US and I don;t want to use IAP and I provided external Link so will app review fail or pass
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Apple App Store Review Guidelines external payment link iOS app 2024 US
Based on my knowledge (current as of early 2025, with the landscape evolving rapidly in this area), here's a comprehensive answer:
iOS App Review: External Payment Links in the US
The Short Answer
It depends on how you implement it. As of 2024–2025, Apple allows external payment links in the US under specific rules — but with strict conditions. If you follow the rules, your app can pass review. If you don't, it will be rejected.
Background: What Changed
Following the Epic v. Apple antitrust ruling and subsequent legal battles, Apple was ordered to allow US developers to link out to external payment methods. Apple implemented this via its StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement.
The Rules You Must Follow (US Only)
1. Apply for the Entitlement
You must request the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement (US) from Apple before submitting. Without it, your app will be rejected.
2. Use Apple's Required API
You cannot just add a button or hyperlink. You must use the
SKExternalPurchaseLink API (or ExternalPurchaseLink in SwiftUI), which:- Shows Apple's mandatory disclosure sheet before the user leaves the app
- The sheet warns users they are leaving the app to an external site
3. Follow Apple's Design Rules
- The link must use a specific, Apple-approved button style
- You cannot disparage Apple's IAP system or claim your external price is cheaper
- No "scare screens" or manipulative UI pushing users to the external link
4. Pay Apple's Commission Anyway
This is the controversial part — Apple still charges a 27% commission on purchases made via external links (3% less than the standard 30%). You are required to self-report these transactions.
5. One External Link Allowed
Apple allows one external purchase link per app, not multiple.
How This Applies to Your Next.js / Subscription + Top-up App
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
You have the entitlement + use SKExternalPurchaseLink API | ✅ Pass review |
| You just add a raw URL/button without the entitlement | ❌ Rejected (Guideline 3.1.1) |
| You tell users "buy on our website, it's cheaper" | ❌ Rejected |
| You use a web view or embedded browser to process payments | ❌ Rejected |
| You link to your Next.js checkout page with proper entitlement | ✅ Likely passes, but Apple still takes 27% |
Important Caveats
- The 27% fee applies — Apple's external link entitlement does NOT mean you escape Apple's commission. It just means the payment happens on your site.
- This is US-only — If you publish in other countries, those regions still require IAP for in-app purchases (unless different local rules apply, e.g., Netherlands dating apps, South Korea).
- The rules were still being contested — Apple's 27% commission on external purchases was under further legal scrutiny in 2025. Check the latest status before submitting.
- Next.js is fine — Your web-based checkout (Stripe, etc.) can be the destination, as long as the iOS app uses the proper entitlement and API to link out.
Recommended Steps
- Apply for the entitlement at Apple's developer portal before building
- Implement
SKExternalPurchaseLink— not a plain button or WKWebView - Read Guideline 3.1.1(a) in the App Store Review Guidelines carefully
- Set up transaction reporting to Apple (required for the 27% commission)
- Test the disclosure sheet flow in your app before submission
Bottom line: Apple does allow this in the US now, but it is not a free pass — it comes with an entitlement requirement, mandatory Apple UI, and Apple still takes a 27% cut. Without the entitlement, your app will fail review under Guideline 3.1.1.
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