Apple removes AI app builder ‘Anything’ from App Store over policy violations

The iPhone-maker has intensified enforcement of its App Store rules, removing an AI-powered coding app and restricting similar platforms, citing violations around executing external code and maintaining app self-containment standards for security.

Apple has tightened its oversight of emerging AI-driven app development platforms, removing the app “Anything” from its App Store over alleged violations of its App Review Guidelines. The move comes as part of a broader scrutiny of so-called “vibe coding” apps that allow users to generate software using artificial intelligence.

According to reports, the app was taken down in late March, although Apple had already been restricting its software updates since December. The company has also reportedly limited updates for similar platforms such as Replit, signalling a wider clampdown on applications that enable dynamic code generation within apps.

Policy concerns over executable code

At the centre of the issue is Apple’s long-standing requirement that apps must remain self-contained and cannot execute code that alters their functionality after approval. The company maintains that apps should not download, install, or run additional code that changes features or affects other applications.

Apple clarified that its actions are not aimed at AI-based coding itself, but at ensuring compliance with its developer policies and maintaining platform security. The guidelines are designed to prevent apps from bypassing review processes or introducing unverified functionalities post-approval.

Developers of “Anything” reportedly attempted to address Apple’s concerns by modifying the app to display AI-generated outputs through a web interface rather than executing them directly within the app. However, this workaround was rejected, leading to the app’s removal from the platform.

Rising popularity of AI-driven development

The crackdown comes at a time when “vibe coding” is gaining traction as a new approach to software creation. Popularised by Andrej Karpathy, the concept allows users with minimal coding knowledge to build applications using natural language prompts and AI tools.

Despite regulatory challenges, interest in such platforms continues to grow. “Anything,” launched in late 2025, had attracted significant attention and investment, with developers using it to create a wide range of applications—from personal finance tools to operational management systems.

The development also highlights a balancing act for Apple, which has simultaneously been integrating advanced AI-powered coding capabilities into its own development ecosystem. As AI-driven software creation evolves, the company appears focused on ensuring innovation does not compromise its established security and compliance framework.