Fixing Section 2.5.2

See Fixing Section 2.5.2 on saagarjha.com

A while ago, I downloaded a-shell and iSH which are both linux shells that can run on iOS. I haven’t used them much but I’m interested in how sotware development could work on iOS (support me if you want to fund that).

While iOS/iPadOS devices are more than capable of software development, Section 2.5.2 of the App Store’s rules disallow the execution of non-bundled code unless it’s for educational purposes. That’s why Pythonista (which really needs an update) doesn’t let you pip-install packages (nativley at least).

Somehow, iSH and a-Shell have gone unnoticed until recently where they were slated for deletion for breaching their rules. a-Shell is still appealing the descision, but iSH is allowed on the store again.

Honestly I’m rather annoyed at this stance Apple is taking with software development apps. They’ve been marketing the iPad as a “pro” “computer” so it semes silly they wouldn’t let you write software on it. I’m not saying that they aren’t that, computers and pros come in many flavours, but its frustrating how powerful these devices are only to be nerfed by the software. If they’re worried about security, there’s a source of arbitrary code execution on mobile devices already called a web browser. Android might also have these as well.

Sorry for taking too long to get to the bookmark at hand. Here Saagar examines the rule, it’s implications and a way to improve it in such a way to allow scripting apps to exist without the app itself doesnloading code on its own.

I hope Apple opens up in this regard. It would be great to see how developers can work with iOS/iPadOS to make great software.