Apple has made a number of updates to its App Store Review Guidelines related to in-app events and the use of information by developers. These guidelines dictate how developers can get their in-app events featured in the App Store, and what kind of information can they access from users.
AApp Store Review Guidelines updates for October 2021
The first change to App Store Review Guidelines is section 2.3.13, which refers to in-app events. This is for the events that can be featured in the App Store and require the use of proper metadata and how it can be monetized.
Added 2.3.13. “In-app events are timely events that happen within your app. To feature your event on the App Store, it must fall within an event type provided in App Store Connect. All event metadata must be accurate and pertain to the event itself, rather than the app more generally. Events must happen at the times and dates you select in App Store Connect, including across multiple storefronts. You may monetize your event so long as you follow the rules set forth in Section 3 on Business. And your event deep link must direct users to the proper destination within your app. Read In-App Events for detailed guidance on acceptable event metadata and event deep links.”
Apple has also removed the following from section 3.1.3, which allows developers to use information from users from within the app and send them information for alternative payment methods.
Deleted from 3.1.3. “Developers cannot use information obtained within the app to target individual users outside of the app to use purchasing methods other than in-app purchase (such as sending an individual user an email about other purchasing methods after that individual signs up for an account within the app).”
Lastly, as per section 5.1.1, developers can request basic contact information from users, including limited data from kids, however, it has to be optional and not mandatory.
Added 5.1.1 (x). “Apps may request basic contact information (such as name and email address) so long as the request is optional for the user, features and services are not conditional on providing the information, and it complies with all other provisions of these guidelines, including limitations on collecting information from kids.”
These updates are available now for developers.
