PURE v3.31.0 breaks subscriptions, fueling scam accusations in August 2026

The official App Store release notes for version 3.31.0 were minimal, stating only, "Bugs fixed, performance improved." No new features were announced with this release. This update followed an August 12 announcement from the publisher about a new safety feature, 'My Media Rules,' which gives users control over media received in chats. However, this feature predates the v3.31.0 update that caused the user sentiment drop.

The most significant issue emerging after the update is a critical bug in the app's monetization system. Users report that paid subscriptions are not activating after purchase, effectively taking their money without providing the service. One 2-star reviewer on v3.31.0 stated, "I just bought the sub but it's not popping up anywhere so i feel like i got ripped off."

This failure has rendered the app unusable for paying customers, as PURE's model requires payment for most interactions. The bug appears to be a technical regression, not a deliberate change, but its impact on the core user experience is severe.

The payment bug has inflamed pre-existing user skepticism about the app's value. Before the update, reviews frequently criticized the aggressive paywallGlossaryPaywallThe in-app screen that asks the user to subscribe or buy — the single most revenue-sensitive surface in a subscription app.. After v3.31.0, these complaints have escalated into accusations of the app being a "scam."

A 1-star review on the new version reads, "Don’t trust this app. They make a lot money what appears to be fake profiles. I have paid for gift and it’s instantly not accepted." This sentiment is echoed by another user who noted, "It can be all fake profiles to be honest." The failure to deliver paid services seems to have confirmed the worst fears of a user base already wary of the app's business model.

The PURE app operates on a subscription-first model, which is essential for its revenue. The app saw over 489,000 downloads in the 30 days before the update, indicating a substantial user base being funneled toward its paid tiers.^[3] In-app purchaseGlossaryIn-App Purchase (IAP)Any purchase made inside an app after installation — consumables, non-consumables, or subscriptions. Processed by Apple or Google, who take a 15-30% commission. information lists plans including a weekly option at $13.49 and an annual subscription for $79.99. The failure of this system directly threatens the app's primary revenue stream and alienates the paying users central to its financial success.

The confluence of a critical payment bug and long-standing user grievances puts PURE at a precarious point. The immediate challenge for publisher Online Classifieds AG is to ship a hotfix for the subscription failure to prevent further alienation of its paying user base.

Longer-term, this incident suggests the app's monetization strategy may be unsustainable without a stronger value proposition. The publisher will likely need to address both the technical faults and the persistent user concerns about profile authenticity to rebuild trust and justify its premium pricing. These figures compare the 43 US App Store reviews tagged with v3.30.0 against the 96 tagged with v3.31.0, measured on 2026-09-06.