Apple has reinstated the MyFitnessPal-owned Cal AI food-logging app after a brief removal, following its failure to comply with strict in-app purchase guidelines. The app attempted to bypass these rules by integrating an embedded payment flow via Stripe, leading Apple to cite multiple violations of its review guidelines.

Despite recent legal rulings that have eased some restrictions on external payments, Apple is still enforcing its requirements for U.S.-based developers to offer in-app purchases alongside any external links. Cal AI’s failure to do so led to a week-long removal and subsequent issues with deceptive billing practices before the app was allowed back into the App Store.

The incident serves as a reminder that Apple remains committed to policing how apps handle payments, despite changes brought about by legal challenges from companies like Epic Games. The broader implications suggest developers must remain vigilant in adhering to these complex guidelines or face removal from the platform.

MyFitnessPal and Cal AI did not respond to further comments on the matter, leaving many to wonder if this was merely a test of Apple's enforcement post-ruling or an ongoing issue for viral apps seeking alternative payment methods.