Apple Cracks Down on Vibe Coding Apps, Anything Fights Back
Apple is taking a tough stance on vibe coding apps, blocking updates or removing them from the App Store. This move affects several apps, including Replit, Vibecode, and Anything, with Anything being removed twice.
The Saga of Anything's App Removal
Anything's co-founder, Dhruv Amin, spoke with TechCrunch about the ordeal. Apple removed its app on March 26, and despite a brief reinstatement, the company has been unable to get its app approved since then. Amin noted that Apple's reason for removal was developer agreement clause 2.5.2, which prevents apps from downloading, installing, or executing code.
The app markets itself as a mobile app builder for iPhone and advertises making native iOS apps with features like 1-tap App Store submissions, code export, and full source code editing,
According to Amin, Apple told the company that the potential for the app to download malicious code was a concern. In addition, Apple noted that a user could build a harmful app, sideload it on their phone, and then claim that it passed Apple's App Review process.
Anything's Fight Back
After being removed from the App Store, Anything's maker is looking for other ways to allow people to build mobile apps. The company has launched a feature that lets users build apps using the iMessage platform and is building a desktop companion app that lets users vibe code mobile apps on their computer. Amin also mentioned that the company may consider using Google's Android operating system for building its apps, as the platform is more open than iOS.
Industry Reaction
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about Apple's tactics. In a reply to Replit's Amjad Masad on X, Sweeney said that Apple needs to "stop blocking development tools apps ASAP." This practice is seen as abhorrent to the founding principles of Apple, expressed by Steve Wozniak, in which every Apple ][ computer booted to a programming language prompt and treated using and making software equally.
Apple's human-led review processes might be outdated, especially with the rise of AI-powered coding tools, which could force Apple to change its review processes. Consumers might demand that platforms like Apple allow them to create apps for themselves, especially with the growing popularity of AI-powered coding tools.