Real-World Cases

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your DeFi app allows token swaps but does not comply with financial services requirements.

Fix: Removed the built-in swap feature from the iOS app. Added a link to the web-based DEX with proper external link entitlement. iOS app now focuses on wallet management (send/receive) only. Swap function...

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your app displays NFT content but does not allow in-app purchase of NFTs through Apples payment system.

Fix: Removed in-app NFT purchasing. App now displays NFTs the user already owns via wallet connection. For purchasing, added an external link with the proper entitlement to our web marketplace. Apple appro...

Guideline 3.1.5(b) - Your cryptocurrency wallet app facilitates initial coin offerings (ICOs) and token sales which are not permitted.

Fix: Removed the ICO/launchpad section entirely from the iOS app. Kept it as a web-only feature. The iOS wallet now focuses on core wallet functionality: sending, receiving, and swapping established tokens...

Guideline 3.1.5(b) - Cryptocurrencies. Apps may facilitate transactions on an approved exchange, provided the exchange is licensed in all jurisdictions where the app operates.

Fix: Removed direct DEX trading. Added only read-only portfolio tracking and redirected trading to approved centralized exchanges. Significantly reduced app functionality but got approved.

Guideline 2.4.2 - Your app engages in cryptocurrency mining on-device, which is not permitted on iOS.

Fix: Completely removed all on-device mining code. Pivoted the earn feature to a learn-to-earn model where users complete educational modules about crypto and earn small token rewards funded by our treasur...

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your crypto trading app does not clearly display risk warnings and regulatory disclaimers.

Fix: Added mandatory risk warning on first launch. Included regulatory disclaimers on every trading screen. Added leverage warnings, loss acknowledgment popups, and links to educational resources about cry...

Guideline 3.1.5(b) - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your app must be published under a seller name and company name that matches the name of the registered financial institution.

Fix: Registered as LLC, got DUNS number, enrolled in Apple Developer Program as organization, and resubmitted under business entity name matching our MSB registration.

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your crypto exchange app does not meet the requirements for facilitating cryptocurrency transactions.

Fix: Provided FinCEN MSB registration, state money transmitter licenses, and compliance documentation. Added required disclosures about cryptocurrency risks. Apple approved after compliance review.

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Payments - Physical Goods and Services. Your app facilitates the transmission of a virtual currency that is not an approved cryptocurrency exchange.

Fix: Had to demonstrate compliance with updated 3.1.5(b) requirements. Provided documentation proving the wallet only transmits and does not exchange. Took months to resolve.

Guideline 3.1.5 - Business - Payments - Physical Goods and Services Outside of the App. Your app facilitates the transmission of a virtual currency that is not an approved exchange.

Fix: Clarified to Apple that the app was a wallet only, not an exchange. Removed any swap or exchange functionality. Limited to sending/receiving tokens only. Added required compliance disclosures.

Guideline 3.1.5(b) - Business - Cryptocurrencies. Your app must be published under a seller name and company name that reflects the company associated with the app.

Fix: Registered as an organization with Apple Developer Program. Updated seller name and company name to match our registered business entity. Provided business documentation.