Apple blocks vibe-coding apps citing security concerns

Apple is enforcing a strict stance against vibe-coding—a term for AI-assisted app development—blocking updates and removing these tools from its App Store. The crackdown has affected several developers in the category, including Replit and Vibecode, whose updates were paused. The developer Anything was removed from the App Store twice, highlighting the escalating tension between platform operators and AI-driven development platforms.

The dispute centers on Apple’s developer agreement clause 2.5.2, which is Apple’s rule prohibiting apps from downloading, installing, or executing code. According to co-founder Dhruv Amin, Apple restricted the app due to this clause. Apple stated that 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. Apple attributed the removal to the potential it could be used to download malicious code. Apple also raised concerns that a user could build a harmful app, sideload it on their phone, and then claim that it passed Apple’s App Review process.

Anything was first removed on March 26, following a period through December when the developer experienced no issues with App Store updates. Although the app was briefly restored on April 3, Apple quickly removed it again. Amin described the experience as a long saga, stating: “It’s been a long saga. 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. [We] had no problems through December. Post December, we and everyone else in the category started getting our updates blocked.” Other industry figures have criticized the platform’s actions; Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney publicly called on Apple to stop blocking development tools.

The crackdown comes as AI-powered coding tools drive a massive surge in software creation. According to a report by The Information, Apple saw an 84% jump in app submissions in a single quarter, thanks to AI-powered coding tools. In response to the restrictions, Anything is exploring alternative distribution methods. The company will build a desktop companion app and, according to Amin, Anything may look at Google’s Android operating system for building its apps, given that the platform is more open than iOS.

Why it matters

Apple’s enforcement of App Store guidelines against vibe-coding apps highlights the growing friction between AI-powered development tools and platform security policies regarding code execution.