Startups Push Back as Apple Tightens Rules on AI ‘Vibe Coding’ Apps

A growing number of startups are challenging Apple Inc. over its handling of so-called “vibe coding” apps—AI-powered tools that allow users to generate, test, and deploy software with minimal effort. Developers and investors argue that Apple is applying App Store rules inconsistently as this new category of applications rapidly evolves.

Companies including Replit and startup Anything say their apps have faced repeated rejections or removals despite previously being approved. Replit, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, reported that updates to its iPhone app were blocked, while Anything said its app had been removed multiple times, even after addressing Apple’s concerns.

At the center of the dispute is a long-standing App Store policy that prohibits apps from downloading or executing code that alters their functionality. Apple maintains that the rule is essential for protecting user privacy and security by preventing unverified software from running on iPhones.

However, developers argue that this policy is ill-suited to modern AI-driven tools. “Vibe coding” apps often rely on real-time code generation and preview features, which Apple has interpreted as violating its restrictions. In some cases, developers say compliance efforts have led to further rejections on different grounds, such as offering “minimal functionality.”

Apple has defended its review process, stating that there is no evidence that the rise of AI-generated apps has slowed approvals. Still, critics contend that the company is struggling to adapt its guidelines to a new generation of software that blurs the line between development tools and consumer apps.

The issue highlights a broader tension between platform governance and rapid innovation. According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower, global iOS app releases rose 30% year-over-year in 2025, driven in part by the proliferation of AI tools that lower the barrier to entry for building software.

Industry observers say the surge in AI-powered development is reshaping how applications are created and distributed. Yet Apple’s tighter control over its mobile ecosystem—compared with more flexible environments on desktop platforms—has intensified scrutiny over how rules are enforced.

Notably, Apple itself is embracing AI-assisted coding within its own ecosystem. The company recently updated its developer tools to incorporate AI agents from providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic, underscoring the growing importance of generative AI in software development.

Venture investors warn that overly restrictive enforcement could hinder competition and innovation. Calls are growing for Apple to refine its policies or apply them more consistently, ensuring that emerging AI-driven use cases can develop without compromising security.

As AI continues to redefine software creation, the outcome of this dispute could shape how app ecosystems balance safety with the next wave of developer innovation.