Startups say Apple is blocking some AI app building tools on iPhone

In short: Some start-ups say Apple is inconsistently blocking or removing iPhone apps that let people create new apps using AI.

What's going on

Several start-ups and investors are criticizing Apple’s App Store review decisions for a new type of “vibe coding” app. These apps let users generate and test software quickly with AI, sometimes close to instantly.

Replit, a company valued at about $9bn, said Apple was blocking updates to its iPhone app. Another start-up, Anything, said its app was repeatedly blocked and was removed twice after being approved. An app called Vibecode has also had updates held up, according to the Financial Times.

The dispute focuses on a long-standing App Store rule that bars apps from downloading or installing new code that changes what the app can do. Think of it like Apple allowing a toy into a store only if it cannot secretly swap its parts later. Apple says this rule helps prevent unreviewed software from running on iPhones, which it argues protects privacy and security.

Anything said Apple told it that a feature that previews AI-generated apps broke the “downloading code” rule. Anything said it removed that preview feature, then Apple rejected the app again for “minimum functionality.” Apple later restored Anything briefly in early April, then removed it again within a day, citing the original rule. Apple did not explain the reversal to the FT.

Apple said its review process is meant to protect users and it denied that a surge in AI-generated apps has slowed approvals.

What to watch

More of these AI app-building tools may try to launch on iPhone, including Lovable and Cursor, which have not yet released iOS apps. If Apple updates its rules or clarifies how they apply, it could decide how easy it is for everyday users to build and publish new apps on iPhones.

Source: Financial Times