TechCrunch provides information on why Apple described the removal of the Cal AI app from the App Store as due to "multiple rule violations." Here are the details.

Apple stated that Cal AI violated several App Store guidelines

A few days ago, users on the X platform noticed that Cal AI had been removed from the App Store. This occurred just a month after its acquisition by MyFitnessPal for an undisclosed amount.

Before its removal, the app had introduced a new in-app purchase (IAP) flow that included payments outside the App Store. This raised antitrust concerns, despite Apple’s updated App Store terms allowing alternative payment methods.

However, according to TechCrunch, Apple’s issues with Cal AI were not limited to the new App Store outside subscription flow:

When reached for comment, Apple stated that the app's short-term removal was due to multiple rule violations, including bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase flow, using misleading billing designs, and other manipulative tactics. This incident shows that Apple is still actively monitoring how developers implement web payments, even as the Epic decision has loosened some previous restrictions.

In addition to removing Cal AI’s IAP to prefer its own payment flow, TechCrunch noted that Apple also required it to be presented alongside external options. It also stated that Cal AI presented its weekly pricing in a way that was more prominent than the actual billed amount. This could lead to confusion regarding what the actual final amount would be, due to details about automatic renewal being "hidden" as well.

Overall, Apple informed TechCrunch that Cal AI violated at least three App Review Guidelines. These guidelines address how apps should sell digital products and subscriptions, preventing misleading or manipulative practices: Guideline 3.1.1, Guideline 3.1.2c, and Guideline 5.6.

After being unavailable for a while, the app returned to the App Store and is currently ranked #4 in the Health & Fitness category, two spots above its parent company MyFitnessPal's main app.