Introduction
Apple’s App Store Guideline 2.1 – Performance > App Completeness requires clear disclosure of any paid digital content or services your app offers. If your review was paused with a message like:
We have started our review, but we need additional information to continue. Specifically, it appears your app accesses or includes paid digital content or services, and we want to understand your business model before completing our review.
This guide explains how to answer Apple’s questions so your review can proceed without submitting a new build.
How to Resolve It
To address this issue, reply with detailed answers to each of Apple’s questions:
- Who are the users that will use the paid content and subscriptions in the app?
Describe your target audience (e.g., individual learners, corporate trainees, members of a subscription service). - Where can users purchase the content and subscriptions that can be accessed in the app?
Explain the purchase channels (e.g., in-app purchases via StoreKit, web checkout on your site, enterprise billing). - What specific types of previously purchased content and subscriptions can a user access in the app?
List the content items or subscription tiers (e.g., Video courses, premium articles, monthly memberships). - What paid content, subscriptions, or features are unlocked within your app that do not use in-app purchase?
If any digital goods are unlocked via external purchase (e.g., printed certificates, physical merchandise), describe them here. - How do users obtain an account? Do users have to pay a fee to create an account?
Detail the sign-up process and whether account creation is free or requires payment.
Respond in App Store Connect
In the Resolution Center, reply with a structured message, for example:
Responses to your questions:
- Our users are individual course participants who subscribe to our premium video tutorials.
- Subscriptions are purchased via in-app purchases within the app (StoreKit). We also offer annual plans on our website at example.com/subscribe.
- Users can access all video lessons, downloadable resources, and live webinars tied to their subscription tier.
- We sell physical workbooks externally—these are ordered through our e-commerce site and unlocked as physical products, not via IAP.
- Users create a free account by tapping “Sign Up,” entering email and password. No fee is required to register; fees apply only when subscribing.
Do I Need to Generate a New Build?
No. This is a metadata clarification—no new binary upload is required.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: How detailed should my answers be?
A: Provide enough context to eliminate ambiguity—mention product names, purchase methods, and account flows concisely.
Q: Where can I find the Resolution Center?
A: In App Store Connect, go to your app’s Activity > All Builds & Versions, then click the red “Review Feedback” alert.
Q: What if Apple asks follow-up questions?
A: Continue the thread in the Resolution Center with prompt, specific responses until all concerns are addressed.
Q: Can I attach screenshots or a demo video?
A: Yes. If it helps clarify purchase flows or account screens, attach annotated screenshots or a short video link in your response.
Q: Will this delay my review?
A: Apple usually responds within 24–48 hours after you’ve answered their questions in the Resolution Center.
