Technology giant Apple has once again demonstrated its strict enforcement of App Store rules. The well-known diet tracking app Cal AI was temporarily removed from the App Store by Apple for attempting to bypass the official in-app purchase (IAP) system and using misleading marketing tactics.
This move has been seen as a "warning to others." Although Apple has now allowed some developers to redirect to external payments under specific conditions, Apple clearly sent a signal through this enforcement: any behavior challenging its payment guidelines will face severe penalties.
Bypassing In-App Purchase Process, Embedding Third-Party Settlement Caused Violations
Investigations revealed that Cal AI's core violation was setting up an embedded payment process on its own. The app guided users to unlock digital content without going through Apple's in-app purchase options by integrating third-party payment services.
According to Apple App Store review guidelines, even if developers provide external payment links, apps must still retain Apple's native in-app purchase options. Cal AI completely bypassed the checkout process, directly touching the red line that Apple uses to maintain ecological order.
Fraudulent Billing Schemes, Persuasive Marketing Damaged User Experience
In addition to payment issues, Cal AI was also accused of fraudulent billing designs. The app deliberately highlighted the low weekly fees after conversion in paid pop-ups but minimized the actual total amount users needed to pay, while obscuring key information about automatic subscription renewals.
Furthermore, Apple pointed out that after users rejected the initial offer, the app immediately displayed another consumer-guiding process. This behavior, defined as "persuasive methods," caused numerous user complaints. Currently, after addressing the relevant issues, the app has been re-uploaded.
