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In that case, how do you explain the dozens of apps that I can list personally that do require out of band subscriptions? This isn’t just major brands. One that comes to mind is ACloudGuru.

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It's because Apple have either intentionally turned a blind eye to these companies or they have managed to sneak it past the app store review team. https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ Section 3.1.1 In-App Purchase: If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, etc. 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.

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.

So you’re saying that the app reviewers “overlooked” - Sling, DirecTVNow, Microsoft Office, Hulu Live TV (not regular Hulu), Youtube TV, Spotify, ACloudGuru, the Kindle App, ComicXology, Netflix, Plex, etc.

What’s more likely, your interpretation is wrong or reality?

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