How to Resolve App Store Guideline 2.1 – Performance > App Completeness (Missing In-App Purchase)

Introduction

Apple’s App Store Guideline 2.1 – Performance > App Completeness requires that any advertised in-app purchase (IAP) features be discoverable and functional during review. If your review was paused with a message like:

We have started the review of your app, but we are not able to continue because we cannot locate the in-app purchases within your app.

This means the reviewer expects to find IAPs but can’t. This guide explains how to show—or remove—those screens so Apple can complete the review without a new build.

How to Resolve It

If IAP Is Enabled

1. Verify Product Metadata
   
   • In App Store Connect, confirm each IAP product has a name, description, and price.
     

If IAP Is Not Enabled

1. Remove IAP References
   
   • Delete or hide any “Membership,” “Products,” or “Billing” screens or buttons.
     
2. Confirm No Purchase Prompts Remain
   
   • Launch the app and verify there are no dialogs or menu items suggesting in-app purchases.
     

Respond in App Store Connect

In the Resolution Center, reply with either:

For Enabled IAP:

“To locate in-app purchases:

1. Open the app and tap Profile.
   
2. Select Membership from the bottom menu.
   
3. Tap Upgrade Now to view subscription options.”
   

For Disabled IAP:

“We have removed all IAP-related screens. This version contains no in-app purchases.”

Do I Need to Generate a New Build?

No. These are metadata and UI navigation updates—no new binary upload is required.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: The reviewer still can’t find IAP despite the flow existing.
A: Test on a device or simulator to ensure the buttons render correctly and all screens load without errors.

Q: Can I include instructions in the App Review Information field?
A: Yes. You may paste the tap-by-tap path there to aid the reviewer.

Q: What if I plan to add IAP later?
A: Remove all IAP references for now and inform Apple that in-app purchases will be introduced in a future update.

Q: Will removing IAP screens affect existing subscribers?
A: If your app is already live with subscribers, coordinate changes carefully to avoid interrupting their access—consider a separate build.