Apple’s Enforcement of App Store Policies: The Cal AI Case
Apple’s recent action against the Cal AI food-logging application underscores its unwavering commitment to enforcing App Store regulations, particularly concerning external payment methods. Cal AI, a calorie-counting app owned by MyFitnessPal, faced a temporary removal from the App Store due to violations of Apple’s in-app purchase (IAP) guidelines and the use of deceptive practices.
The app’s brief absence from the App Store sparked discussions on social media, highlighting Apple’s stringent oversight. Originally developed by two high school students, Cal AI achieved significant success, reaching $50 million in annual recurring revenue before its acquisition by MyFitnessPal in March.
Concerns initially arose that Apple’s removal of Cal AI was solely due to the app’s utilization of web-based payments instead of Apple’s IAP system. However, Apple clarified that the removal was due to multiple infractions, including bypassing the IAP process, employing misleading billing designs, and other manipulative tactics.
A primary violation was Cal AI’s integration of an in-app payment system using a third-party service, Stripe, to unlock digital content, thereby excluding Apple’s IAP option during the checkout process. This contravened Apple’s App Review Guideline 3.1.1, which mandates that apps offer Apple’s IAP alongside any external payment links.
Additionally, Apple identified deceptive billing practices within Cal AI, violating Guideline 3.1.2c. The app’s paywall prominently displayed weekly pricing, overshadowing the actual billing amount. It also featured a free trial toggle that obscured information regarding the subscription’s automatic renewal.
Further, Cal AI was found to engage in manipulative tactics, breaching the Developer Code of Conduct’s guideline 5.6. Notably, users who declined the initial subscription offer were presented with an alternative subscription flow. The app also received numerous negative reviews accusing it of being a scam due to its presentation of third-party payment options.
Following its rejection, Cal AI addressed these issues, leading to its reinstatement on the App Store. Neither MyFitnessPal nor Cal AI provided comments on the matter.
This incident serves as a reminder that Apple continues to rigorously monitor and enforce its App Store policies, even in the wake of legal challenges that have led to some relaxation of its rules. Developers are advised to adhere strictly to Apple’s guidelines to ensure their applications remain accessible to users.
