With the explosion of generative AI technology, a new development paradigm known as "Vibe Coding" or "AI Natural Language Programming" is sweeping the software industry. This innovative wave, which allows users to write programs simply by speaking without lifting a finger, seems to have touched upon...Apple App Store's core protection scope.according toThe Information website reportedApple has recently begun to crack down on such AI applications, and last week it forcibly removed the well-known ambient coding app "Anything" from the App Store for violating specifications.
What is "ambient programming"? Why is Apple so alarmed?
"Atmosphere programming" means that users do not need to have traditional programming skills at all. They only need to describe their needs in pure natural language (e.g., "Make me a tool to calculate calories"), and the AI will automatically generate, interpret, and run the code directly on the device.
This extreme convenience, however, made Apple's review team uneasy. Before removing "Anything," Apple had already blocked update requests from well-known developer tool Replit and another application called Vibe code, which triggered a strong backlash and attention from the developer community.
The killer app: App Store Review Guidelines 2.5.2
In response to external accusations of "suppressing AI innovation," Apple clarified that the crackdown was not aimed at the "ambient programming" technology itself, but rather at combating the "unauthorized modification of application functions."
Apple's trump card is Rule 2.5.2 of the App Store Review Guidelines—the "Self-containment" rule. This rule requires apps to run independently within their own wrapper. Developers are strictly prohibited from downloading, installing, or executing external code that introduces "new features" or "changes existing functionality." Furthermore, while Apple allows apps to download interpreted code, it's only if the code "must not change the application's originally declared core purpose."
In short, Apple's bottom line is: your app can be a "tool" to help users write code and develop new software on the screen; but your app must never change its own behavior and functionality by executing dynamic code that has not been reviewed by Apple.
"Anything's" compromise and eventual exit
The iconic app "Anything," which was targeted in this crackdown, perfectly exemplifies Apple's iron-fisted approach.
According to The Information, the development team behind "Anything" was already aware of the potential compliance risks. Earlier this month, they attempted to submit a "compromise" update to Apple: a plan to move the preview and execution of AI-generated code from within the app to a web browser, thereby avoiding concerns about the app executing external code.
Apple not only rejected the update submission but also took the most severe measures—completely removing the entire "Anything" app from the App Store. As of now, Apple has not issued any official comment on this removal, while a small number of similar apps have temporarily escaped this fate and remain listed in the store.
