Apple is facing backlash from start-ups and investors over its handling of "vibe coding" apps that let users generate and test software with AI. Replit, valued at $9bn and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, said Apple blocked updates to its iPhone app, while start-up Anything had its app repeatedly rejected and twice removed after initial approval.

The dispute centers on a longstanding App Store rule barring apps from downloading code that changes their functionality. Apple told Anything that features allowing users to preview AI-generated code breached this prohibition. After Anything removed the preview feature, Apple rejected it again for offering "minimum functionality." Apple briefly restored the app in early April before removing it within a day.

Sensor Tower data shows iOS apps released globally in 2025 rose 30% year on year, driven by AI agents that can write and run code. Andreessen Horowitz partner David George said blocking vibe-coding apps "under the banner of security" risked stifling innovation. Apple itself updated Xcode in February to include AI coding agents from Anthropic and OpenAI.