Apple is enforcing an old App Store rule against a new kind of software
adaptivesoftware.substack.com
May 6, 2026
9 min read
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48/100
Summary
Replit's iOS app has not received updates since January, causing its rankings to decline in Apple's free developer tools category. Apple has blocked updates to several AI coding apps, including Replit and Vibecode, due to violations of App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2, which requires apps to be self-contained.
Key Takeaways
- Apple has blocked updates to several AI coding apps, including Replit and Vibecode, citing App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2, which requires apps to be self-contained and not execute code that changes functionality.
- Apple removed the app Anything from the App Store despite attempts by its co-founder to comply with the guidelines, including routing generated app previews through an external web browser.
- The App Store review process struggles to evaluate software whose behavior is determined at runtime by a model, leading to a disconnect between the reviewable artifact and the running artifact.
- The assumption that software holds still post-release is challenged by adaptive software, which can change dynamically, complicating versioning, bug reporting, and user experience.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The discussion highlights the evolving nature of software, suggesting that traditional rules may not apply in a world where adaptive software can generate itself, prompting a reevaluation of existing policies.
Concerns
- The enforcement of outdated App Store rules against new software types raises concerns about selective enforcement and the potential stifling of innovation in adaptive software development.
- Many developers feel frustrated by the limitations imposed by the App Store, which seem to prioritize Apple's interests over those of creators and users, potentially hindering creativity.
