Apple has adopted a stringent policy concerning "vibe coding" applications, leading to the blocking of updates or outright removal of these apps from its App Store. Prominent examples of affected platforms include Replit, Vibecode, and Anything. While updates for Replit and Vibecode were halted, Anything's application faced removal on two separate occasions. In response, Anything is actively exploring alternative avenues, such as developing a desktop version of its service, to empower users in creating mobile applications.
Dhruv Amin, co-founder of Anything, disclosed to TechCrunch that Apple initially removed their app on March 26. Since that date, despite a brief period of reinstatement, the company has struggled to secure re-approval for its application.
Amin described the situation as "a long saga," explaining, "We built a mobile app primarily to let our users who are building iOS apps preview their own app on their own device while developing it." He noted that the app encountered "no problems through December," but "Post December, we and everyone else in the category started getting our updates blocked."
Amin further indicated that Apple communicated that the app's restriction or removal stemmed from a violation of developer agreement clause 2.5.2, which explicitly prohibits applications from downloading, installing, or executing code.
According to a screenshot of an email shared by Anything on X, Apple's reasoning included the statement: "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."
Anything's public statement on X, accompanied by a screenshot, highlighted their struggle, stating, "Guideline 2.5.2 – Gatekeeping – Vibes denied... for months we tried to resolve it privately with emails, calls, appeals, and four technical rewrites to comply with whatever Apple wanted." They declared, "here's our truth, unfiltered," detailing the March 26th removal by Apple.
During a subsequent call with Apple, Amin recounted that the tech giant explained the "vibe coding" app's removal was due to its potential for downloading malicious code. Furthermore, Apple raised concerns that a user could develop a harmful application, sideload it onto their device, and subsequently falsely assert that it had undergone and passed Apple’s App Review process.
While Anything's app was briefly restored on April 3, it was promptly removed again after Apple informed the company that it was prohibited from marketing itself as an "app maker."
TechCrunch has contacted Apple for an official comment regarding these removals and will provide updates as information becomes available.
In the wake of its disputes with Apple, Anything's developers are actively seeking alternative methods to facilitate mobile app creation. Earlier this month, the company rolled out a new feature enabling users to build applications directly through the iMessage platform. Additionally, Anything announced plans to develop a desktop companion app, allowing users to "vibe code" mobile applications on their computers.
Amin also indicated that Anything might pivot its focus towards Google’s Android operating system for app development, citing the platform's more open nature compared to iOS.
Beyond the immediate impact on "vibe coding" app developers, Apple's strategies have drawn vocal criticism from figures such as Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.
In a direct response to Replit’s Amjad Masad on X, Sweeney asserted that Apple must "stop blocking development tools apps ASAP."
Sweeney elaborated on his stance, stating, "This practice is abhorrent to the founding principles of Apple as expressed by Steve Wozniak, in which every Apple ][ computer booted to a programming language prompt and treated using and making software equally."
Separately, The Information reported earlier this month that Apple experienced an 84% surge in app submissions within a single quarter, largely attributed to the proliferation of AI-powered coding tools. This significant increase could potentially necessitate a reevaluation of Apple's predominantly human-led app review processes.
Furthermore, as AI-powered coding gains widespread adoption, there is an anticipated rise in consumer demand for platforms like Apple to enable individuals to create their own applications.
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