Apple has removed the AI-powered “vibe coding” app Anything from the App Store after raising concerns about how the app handles code execution, and the decision shows how strictly the company continues to enforce its long-standing App Store rules around app behavior and security.
The move centers on Apple’s requirement that apps remain self-contained and do not change their functionality by downloading or running external code, which directly conflicts with how some vibe coding tools operate when they generate and execute code dynamically.
Apple Pulled the App
According to The Information, Apple removed Anything last week after determining that it violated section 2.5.2 of its App Review Guidelines, which deals with how apps manage code and system behavior.
“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.”
Apple also referenced its Developer Program License, which places limits on interpreted code and makes it clear that apps cannot shift their core purpose through downloaded functionality.
“Interpreted code may be downloaded to an Application but only so long as such code does not change the primary purpose of the Application by providing features or functionality that are inconsistent with the intended and advertised purpose of the Application.”
These rules explain why Apple allows coding tools in general, but draws a clear line when apps start modifying themselves outside the review process.
‘Anything’ Story
The Information reports that developer Dhruv Amin attempted to address Apple’s concerns by submitting an update that moved app previews to a web browser instead of running them inside the app, but Apple rejected that update and removed the app entirely.
The same report notes that Apple had already blocked updates to Anything since December, even though the app launched earlier without issues and gained traction by letting users build apps using simple text prompts.
Bigger Impact on Vibe Coding Apps
Apple maintains that it does not ban vibe coding apps outright, but it continues to enforce rules that restrict how these tools execute generated code, which creates friction for apps that rely on real-time code changes as part of their workflow.
At the same time, similar apps like Replit and Vibecode remain available, which suggests Apple is reviewing each case individually rather than applying a blanket restriction.
This situation leaves developers in a tight spot, as they now need to design AI coding tools that stay within Apple’s strict sandbox while still offering meaningful functionality.
