Apple pulls Cal AI over billing design and payment rule violations, then reinstates app

A calorie-tracking app recently acquired by MyFitnessPal was briefly removed from the Apple App Store after violating multiple policies tied to in-app purchases and subscription design, according to TechCrunch.

The app, Cal AI, had introduced an updated monetization flow that routed users toward external payment options. While recent legal rulings allow developers in the U.S. to link to third-party payment systems, Apple requires that its native in-app purchase (IAP) option remain available alongside those alternatives. Cal AI instead removed Apple’s payment mechanism entirely during checkout, triggering a violation of App Store rules.

Apple also cited issues beyond payment routing. The company flagged the app for what it described as deceptive billing design, including the prominence of weekly pricing over the actual billed subscription amount. Additional concerns included unclear disclosures around automatic renewals and the use of multiple subscription prompts designed to steer users toward purchases after initial rejection.

These practices fall under several App Store Review Guidelines, including rules governing digital goods transactions and prohibitions against manipulative user interface patterns. Apple said the violations extended to its broader developer conduct policies aimed at preventing misleading commercial practices.

The removal sparked discussion across developer and user communities, particularly around how strictly Apple would enforce its policies following the outcome of the Epic Games litigation, which loosened restrictions on external payments. The Cal AI case indicates that enforcement remains active, especially where user transparency and billing clarity are concerned.

After addressing the issues, Cal AI was reinstated on the App Store. The app has since returned to the Health & Fitness rankings, reflecting continued user demand despite the compliance setback.

It’s been less than a day and Cal AI is already back to #8 on the App Store.

Back like we never left 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/pFnTV2OIYE

— Jackson Stelmarski (@jstelmarski55) April 17, 2026

The episode highlights the current regulatory balance developers face: while alternative payment methods are increasingly permitted, platform operators are continuing to scrutinize how those systems are implemented—particularly when it comes to user consent, pricing clarity, and subscription mechanics.