Apple removed the vibe coding app 'Anything' from the App Store last week. This was reported by The Information, citing the self-sufficiency rule in the App Review Guidelines as the reason. Here are the details.

Some Background

A few days ago, The Information reported that Apple has blocked updates for vibe coding apps like Replit and Vibecode. Apple claimed that these apps violate long-standing App Store rules that state "the app cannot run code that alters the operation of the app or other apps."

On the same day, in a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple clarified that the issue is not with vibe coding apps per se, but with apps that violate certain sections of the App Review Guidelines and Developer Program License.

Specifically, Apple is having issues with apps that it claims violate section 2.5.2 of the App Review Guidelines. This section states:

Apps must be self-sufficient within their own packages and cannot access or write data outside the designated container area; additionally, downloading, uploading, or executing code that alters the features or functionality of the app or other apps is not allowed. Educational apps may, in limited circumstances, download executable code for teaching, developing, or testing students; however, this code must not be used for other purposes. Such apps must make the provided source code accessible for the user to fully view and edit.

In the statement to 9to5Mac, Apple also pointed out section 3.3.1(B) of the Developer Program License:

Commented code may be downloaded to an App, but only if this code: (a) does not change the main purpose of the App by providing features or functionality that contradict the intended and advertised purpose of the App.

In other words (and risking oversimplification), Apple seems to allow apps that help users create other apps, but does not permit apps that can change their own behavior by generating and executing code outside of App Store review. This can sometimes be part of the vibe coding process depending on the app's workflow.

Apple Removed the 'Anything' App from the App Store

In today’s report, The Information stated that Apple removed the vibe coding app 'Anything' from the App Store, citing section 2.5.2 of the App Review Guidelines as the reason.

The report notes that it is not immediately clear why Apple took action against the 'Anything' app and mentions that the app's developer, Dhruv Amin, attempted to address the issue Apple was having before it was removed:

Earlier this month, after The Information addressed the issue, Anything tried to make an update that would allow users to see previews of vibe coding apps in a web browser instead of the Anything app. Apple rejected this submission and removed the app entirely from the App Store, Amin said.

The Information noted that Apple did not respond to requests for comment. Currently, similar vibe coding apps continue to be available on the App Store.

What do you think about Apple’s approach to vibe coding apps? Share your comments with us.

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