Apple introduced a program in the past few years for “Reader apps”. This is designed for apps which “provide one or more of the following digital content types — magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video — as the primary functionality of the app.” Any app which falls into this category can apply to the program and sell subscriptions outside of the app, allowing the publisher to sell subscriptions and not have to give Apple a cut of their subscription. There are pros and cons to this program the two top being retaining 100% of subscription revenue (pro) & lose Apple’s credit processing and renewal services (con).
Starting version 1.3.0, if you are interested in this you can sign up for the program then work with Apple to get approved. (Please note this is something the Account Owner will need to apply for). Once approved, we will work to get your app configured, tested, and submitted to Apple.