Did you have an option to require account management on the website like Netflix, Hulu, etc. do to avoid the IAP fee? It’s not clear to me if small companies are allowed to do that.
So, first off, even when this is allowed, the UI experience sucks, as you aren't allowed to help the user make the purchase from the app: the user has to go hunting on Google for the idea they can make an external purchase.
> Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.
But like, while you might think it is allowed--due to the existence of some apps like Netflix and Udemy--those apps are in explicitly exempted content-catalog oriented product categories, such as movies and online education.
> Apps may allow a user to access previously purchased content or content subscriptions (specifically: magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, video, access to professional databases, VoIP, cloud storage, and approved services such as classroom management apps), provided that you agree not to directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, and your general communications about other purchasing methods are not designed to discourage use of in-app purchase.
There are also apps like Office, GSuite, and those from Adobe where you buy your license out of band.
So you're actually proving the point that their review system is neither fair nor consistent with your crusade in here. Also don't forget about survivorship bias. For every app you see that does this thousands of others got forced to use IAP during the review process.
What’s more likely, your interpretation is wrong or reality?