Apple considers App Store path for AI agents

Apple is studying how to let AI agent apps into the App Store without loosening the review and security rules that govern iPhone software, according to reports published this week. The discussion follows a clash between Apple and so-called vibe-coding startups whose apps can generate and preview software from natural-language prompts. Apple has told developers it does not have a policy aimed specifically at vibe-coding apps, but it has pointed to existing rules that bar apps from downloading or executing code that changes their own features or those of other apps. Reports from The Information, cited by 9to5Mac, MacRumors and Bloomberg Law, said Apple is now weighing a more formal path for AI agents inside the store. ### Which Apple rule is at the center of the dispute? Apple’s App Review Guideline 2.5.2 says apps must be self-contained and may not “download, install, or execute code” that introduces or changes features or functionality, including in other apps. Apple’s developer guidelines say the App Store is a curated marketplace where apps are reviewed for safety, security and privacy, and they add that developers whose ideas do not fit the model can use the web instead. (9to5mac.com) March 30 reporting by 9to5Mac said Apple cited that rule when it removed the app Anything from the App Store after previously challenging features that let users preview AI-generated apps inside the app itself. The same coverage said Apple had also pointed to section 3.3.1(B) of its Developer Program License in explaining limits on downloaded interpreted code. (developer.apple.com) ### Which apps have run into Apple’s review process? Replit, Vibecode and Anything have all been named in reports about recent App Store reviews. MacRumors, citing The Information, reported on March 18 that Apple had blocked updates for Replit and Vibecode unless they changed how generated apps were previewed or removed some capabilities. (9to5mac.com) Anything founder Dhruv Amin said Apple had repeatedly blocked the app and removed it twice after earlier approval, according to reporting that cited Financial Times coverage. Replit said it was “surprised and disappointed” by blocked updates and said it had been on the platform for years, according to the same reports. (macrumors.com) May 15 reporting by 9to5Mac said one iPhone vibe-coding app had shipped its first update in four months after an App Store review issue, indicating that at least some disputes are being resolved through changes to app behavior. ### What is Apple said to be considering now? May 13 reports summarizing The Information said Apple is exploring ways to better incorporate AI agents and AI coding capabilities into the App Store while maintaining its privacy and security standards. (theoutpost.ai) Bloomberg Law separately reported that Apple was exploring ways to incorporate AI agents in the store, also citing The Information. (9to5mac.com) Those reports said Apple was considering a framework that would allow agent-style features while preserving review controls. Some follow-on coverage said the company was examining both app-review rules and controls on what agents can do at runtime, though Apple has not publicly detailed such a system. ### Why are AI agents harder to fit into the App Store? (9to5mac.com) AI agent apps can generate software, take actions and adapt behavior after installation, which creates a harder fit with rules written for more static apps. Apple has said its review process is designed to protect privacy and security, while developers have argued that current rules do not map neatly onto tools that build and test software almost instantly. (9to5mac.com) The App Store’s own framework emphasizes expert review, malware scanning and user safety. That structure helps explain why Apple is looking at agent apps as a policy problem rather than simply approving them under existing guidance. That is an inference from Apple’s published rules and the recent enforcement actions. ### Is Apple expected to say more soon? (theoutpost.ai) Apple said on March 23 that WWDC 2026 will run from June 8 to June 12 and will include updates on software, developer tools and AI advancements. The conference opens with Apple’s keynote and Platforms State of the Union on June 8, and Apple said additional conference information will be shared through its Developer app, website and YouTube channel. (developer.apple.com) June 8 is the next clear date for developers watching whether Apple turns its internal discussions into a formal App Store policy for AI agents. Apple has not announced such a policy yet. (apple.com)