In App purchase and Coupons [closed]

Question

In my application I want to use coupon codes side by side with in-app purchases. So that users will be able to buy a product (audio content) from the app store, or to enter a coupon code and get the product for free. Coupon codes will be given outside of the application - user can get a coupon with purchasing of a flight ticket / insurence / hotel accomodation / etc.

From App Store review guidelines:

"Apps can read or play approved content (magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, video) that is sold outside of the app, for which Apple will not receive any portion of the revenues, provided that the same content is also offered in the app using IAP at the same price or less than it is offered outside the app."

From one hand - the content is not being sold outside of the app, From the other hand users do not pay the same price or more than is offered inside the app for the product.

Is IAP together with coupon codes allowed in IOS apps?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Is IAP together with coupon codes allowed in IOS apps?

In my direct experience, the answer is no. Apple do not permit coupon codes in association with IAP, even if it is clear that the coupons are not being paid for elsewhere. I've had apps rejected for this precise scenario, even when it seems bonkers. They would presumably argue that whilst it might be clear you aren't selling the coupon codes via another channel now, if they allowed the app, there would be nothing to stop you doing this in future - and that would harm their revenue.