Bad vibes: Apple blocks updates for some AI coding apps in the App Store

Apple is clamping down on apps with AI vibe coding capabilities listed in the App Store, preventing the rapid creation of apps that don't pass through the App Store Review process.

Vibe coding has become a phenomenon that enables non-coders the ability to create apps, by harnessing AI. However, while making apps is now much easier for the uninitiated, Apple is working to prevent some forms of vibe coding from taking place.

In an investigation by The Information published on Wednesday, Apple has blocked coding apps including Replit and Vibecode from receiving updates in the App Store. The move is seemingly temporary, as Apple wants modifications to be made to the apps.

Report sources say that the apps in question are close to being approved for the App Store again, but after agreeing to make changes to the way they function. These changes include updating previews of the vibe-coded apps, or removing functions like making apps specifically for Apple devices.

The report leans on Apple's actions being a measure to protect the revenue of the App Store due to the influx of vibe-coded apps. However, the reasons go beyond just money, and are a little more nuanced than at first glance.

Apple doesn't specifically ban vibe coding apps, but it does have rules developers must follow.

A very niche crackdown

Vibe coding refers to a method of creating code and apps using natural language prompts and an AI chatbot. By providing a description of the app and what you want it to do, you can tell an AI service to create the app for you, and also request changes too.

In short, imagine telling an AI chatbot that you want an app, which it then makes for you.

The term vibe coding covers a lot of different applications, including what is discussed here: apps specifically made for users to create apps from prompts. However, it also applies to other situations.

AI has been an assistant to developers for a while, including proposing code elements and automatically completing segments for coders. This can happen within a development environment, where apps are traditionally made, as well as through dedicated vibe coding tools.

When it comes to vibe coding within a development environment, Apple does explicitly support this kind of activity. With February's improved AI agent access in Xcode, Apple made it very easy for a person without code knowledge to create a simple app within a few minutes.

The crackdown here isn't for apps that are made within such an environment, as it is handled just like many other apps before being listed in the App Store.

The reality is that Apple is targeting apps that exist in the App Store that provide vibe coding capabilities. These tools create apps, but not the typical ones that get submitted to the App Store itself.

They are made post-App Store Review.

The report adds that there are other apps that exist in the App Store that didn't get the same limitation, such as Vercel's v0. Other apps that offer similar capabilities that aren't coding-specific, such as design app Canva, could potentially be hit by the same issues, since they can be used to create filters, quizzes, and other items using AI.

Rule breaking, money-making

For the most part, the report focuses on the issue being one of competition and revenue protection. Apple could lose revenue due to these vibe coding apps creating software that doesn't pass through the App Store itself.

This is viewed as Apple missing out on potential revenue, its 30% App Store commission fee, because a user isn't downloading these apps from the digital storefront.

Apple certainly is protective of its revenue, and at such levels, it has a vested interest in doing so. The battle with European regulators over third-party app storefronts demonstrated this quite plainly.

However, while Apple does stand to miss out on revenue from these sorts of apps, the problem lies in avoiding the App Store Review process entirely.

Under the App Store Review Guidelines, Apple requires that apps are self-contained in their bundles, and that they don't install or execute code that adds or changes features in the app or other apps.

This is covered in point 2.5.2 of the guidelines, and basically prevents apps from making other apps on an iPhone or iPad. Apple simply bans the ability to create secondary, separate apps on an iPhone completely.

Rule 2.5.3 also touches on this containment issue, as it bans apps that transmit viruses, files, computer code, or programs that can harm or interfere with other software or hardware elements. It's the same thing, but framed in a more obvious way.

There's also 3.3.1(B) of the Developer Program License, which does permit interpreted code downloads to an application. However, that code must not change the primary purpose of the app itself by adding more features.

An Apple spokesperson told the report that the enforcement is to prevent apps from fundamentally changing their function, without it having a chance to review the changes.

Ultimately, Apple is permissive of vibe coding as a method of making apps, even if it does increase the App Store Review team's workload.

But, when it comes to apps that avoid the review process entirely, and can pose a threat to the usually secure platform Apple has created, vibe coding can become a problem.