Apple has twice removed the 'vibe coding' app Anything from the App Store, citing concerns that the platform could facilitate the installation of malicious code. The removal is part of a broader crackdown on developer tools that allow users to build and preview apps directly on iOS devices.
Anything co-founder Dhruv Amin told TechCrunch that the company's app was first removed on March 26. While the app saw a brief reinstatement on April 3, Apple quickly pulled it again, stating the company could not market itself as an app maker.
Apple officials cited developer agreement clause 2.5.2, which prohibits apps from downloading, installing, or executing code. During a call with the company, Apple representatives expressed concern that users could build harmful apps and sideload them onto iPhones while claiming they had passed the official App Review process.
Pivoting beyond iOS
In response to the crackdown, Anything is developing new ways to reach mobile developers. The company recently launched a feature allowing users to build apps via the iMessage platform and plans to release a desktop companion app for coding on computers.
Amin also suggested the company might look toward Google’s Android operating system, noting that the platform offers more openness than iOS.
This crackdown follows a surge in app submissions driven by AI-powered coding tools. According to a report from The Information, Apple saw an 84% jump in app submissions in a single quarter due to these new technologies.
Industry leaders are pushing back against Apple's restrictions. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to X to support Replit founder Amjad Masad, urging Apple to "stop blocking development tools apps ASAP."
