Hello.
I am getting a little frustrated, and am struggling to understand something.
My App has since been rejected 3 times, on item 3.1.1 and I would like some support from anyone with experience.
My App originally had a Donate button, with a link to a website inviting donations to the development of the App. It is clear as a donation that this is simply that, donations/tips. No part of any copy mentions that donations/tips will unlock any additional features of the App, there are no additional features to be unlocked.
I have read 3.1.1 thoroughly, can can see that:
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, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc.
and
Apps may use in-app purchase currencies to enable customers to “tip” the developer or digital content providers in the app.
However, the donations would not unlock any features, content or functionality, or affect ANYTHING in the App.
Further, the guidelines state that Apps may use in-app purchase to 'tip', but does not, anywhere I can find, say tips are not allowed to be obtained unless using in-app purchase.
Despite all this, I am trying to get the App approved, so I have removed the Donate button, removed the Donate link from my website, but it is still being rejected. I have appealed, and am currently waiting again, but is anyone able to explain this to me?
Many thanks