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Apple pushes back on vibe coding apps like Replit and Vibecode over App Store rules, raising questions about how AI-built apps fit within platform guidelines.
Software developers have been using AI to assist with coding ever since the introduction of generative AI. In fact, coding is a key part of most current AI benchmarks — right alongside other metrics like mathematics, language processing, and reasoning.
AI-driven coding has become so popular that it’s even gained a cool nickname: vibe coding.
Unfortunately, developers behind two separate vibe coding apps, Vibecode and Replit, have reportedly received pushback from Apple’s App Store. According to a representative with Apple, however, the problem isn’t necessarily with the act of vibe coding itself. Instead, it’s more focused on apps that change their functionality following their initial App Store review.
Because these vibe coding apps allow users to create their own apps, they could be in direct violation of App Store guidelines, even if they’re creating apps that, in and of themselves, would be eligible for placement on the App Store.
App Store Guideline 2.5.2 currently reads, in part: “Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the designated container area, nor may they download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps.”
Currently rated 4.7 with over 3,000 user ratings, Vibecode is an AI-driven website builder. Designed for the iPad, the free tool makes it easy to create basic websites that can be viewed on desktops, laptops, and mobile smartphones.
The problem with Vibecode is the websites it can create. Since these websites can be used to introduce new functionality through the app, the app itself might have to scale back some of its features to remain on the App Store.
Replit recently introduced a feature that lets users create vibe-coded apps. It also has an overall rating of 4.7 on the App Store, but it’s been rated by over 14,000 users at the time of this writing.
Billed as a comprehensive platform for creating apps and games, Replit even lets users submit projects to the App Store — assuming they meet all the rules and regulations. Much like Vibecode, however, the finished product can substantially change the app itself. As such, it is also in violation of the App Store guidelines and may need to undergo modifications.
The team with Apple doesn’t necessarily have a problem with the concept of vibe coding, as is evident by their support for Xcode and agentic coding utilities. Instead, they want to ensure that every developer follows the rules already in place on their platform.
To this end, they’re actively communicating with the teams at Vibecode and Replit to help optimize their software for the App Store and, hopefully, reach a satisfactory conclusion for everyone involved.
Also read: Apple’s background security improvements show how the company is tightening WebKit and other behind-the-scenes protections against emerging threats.
J.R. Johnivan is a technology writer and computer repair professional with 20 years of experience. His work explores emerging technologies, including next-generation LLMs, their societal impact, and how they can improve professional workflows. He began writing while studying computer networking, eventually combining his passion for technology with a career in content. He also brings expertise in project management, HR, and CRM software, giving him a practical, business-focused perspective on today’s tech landscape.
