Apple and Anything: Tensions Over Coding Apps

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Key Takeaways

1Apple has removed the Anything app from the App Store twice, citing security risks related to code downloads.

2Dhruv Amin, co-founder of Anything, is exploring solutions such as a desktop version and development on Android.

3Tim Sweeney of Epic Games criticizes Apple for its restrictions on development tools, calling for immediate change.

💡Why it matters — Apple's restrictions on coding apps could stifle innovation and push developers towards more open platforms like Android.

Apple and Coding Apps: A Strict Policy

Apple has recently taken firm measures against certain coding applications, blocking updates or completely removing these apps from its App Store. Among the affected apps are Replit, Vibecode, and Anything. While the first two have had their updates suspended, the Anything app has been removed twice. To address this situation, the company is considering new strategies, such as launching a desktop version of its service, to allow its users to continue creating applications for mobile devices.

The Challenges Faced by Anything

Anything's co-founder, Dhruv Amin, shared with TechCrunch that the app was removed from the App Store on March 26. Since that date, the company has failed to obtain permanent approval for its app, despite a temporary reinstatement. Amin explained that their mobile app was primarily designed to allow iOS app developers to preview their creations on their devices during development. Until December, the app was functioning smoothly, but thereafter, updates began to be blocked.

The Reasons for Removal According to Apple

Apple justified the removal of the app by citing clause 2.5.2 of its developer agreement, which prohibits apps from downloading, installing, or executing code. According to a screenshot of an email shared by Anything, Apple specified that the app presented itself as a mobile app builder for iPhone, promoting the creation of native iOS applications with features such as one-click App Store submissions, code export, and full source code editing.

Apple’s Security Concerns

During a call with Apple, Amin learned that the app was removed due to its potential to be used for downloading malicious code. Apple expressed concerns about the possibility of a user creating a harmful app, installing it on their phone, and then claiming it had passed Apple's review process. Although the app was restored on April 3, it was removed again, with Apple informing the company that it could not present itself as an app creator.

Anything's New Directions

In light of these obstacles, the creator of Anything is exploring other ways to enable users to create mobile applications. Recently, the company introduced a feature allowing users to create apps using the iMessage platform. Additionally, it plans to develop a companion desktop app to facilitate mobile app coding on computers. Amin also mentioned that the company might turn to Google's Android operating system, which offers a more open platform than iOS.

External Criticism and the Broader Context

Beyond coding app creators, critical voices have risen against Apple's practices. The CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple's tactics. In response to Amjad Masad from Replit on X, Sweeney stated that Apple needed to "stop blocking development tool apps immediately."

The Impact of AI-Powered Coding Tools

Earlier this month, The Information reported that Apple had seen an 84% increase in app submissions in a single quarter, due to AI-powered coding tools. This surge could prompt Apple to reevaluate its review processes, which are currently human-led. With the rise of AI-driven coding, consumers may increasingly demand that platforms like Apple allow them to create applications independently.