9 ms·

I don't know if this qualifies, but aren't there strict restrictions on bypassing the AppStore for updates? Would downloadable binary blobs (code logic, not ass

by adtac 8y ago

I don't know if this qualifies, but aren't there strict restrictions on bypassing the AppStore for updates? Would downloadable binary blobs (code logic, not assets) like this be allowed by Apple?

pavlov 8y ago
I think (not 100% sure, I don’t work actively on iOS apps anymore) that Apple’s current policy is to allow code downloads if they are executed on an OS-provided runtime. That means JavaScriptCore in practice, and React Native passes that bar.
- DerekL 8y ago
  Since June 2017, an app can also run the downloaded code on its own interpreter, and it can be any language, not just JavaScript.
  - chris37879 8y ago
    Only if the app allows the user to view the code, if I remember correctly. It was to encourage programming / teaching apps on the ipad and the like.
  - wlesieutre 8y ago
    Only for apps that let the user see/write the code. You can't download code that changes the app's functionality. 2.5.2 Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the designated container area, nor may they download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps. Educational apps designed to teach, develop, or allow students to test executable code may, in limited circumstances, download code provided that such code is not used for other purposes. Such apps must make the source code provided by the Application completely viewable and editable by the user. https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/
- mr_toad 8y ago
  React native apps are written in JavaScript & HTML, but they are compiled to native code. They have access to APIs that a browser wouldn’t, and can even link to native libraries.

9 ms·

I don't know if this qualifies, but aren't there strict restrictions on bypassing the AppStore for updates? Would downloadable binary blobs (code logic, not ass

by adtac 8y ago

I don't know if this qualifies, but aren't there strict restrictions on bypassing the AppStore for updates? Would downloadable binary blobs (code logic, not assets) like this be allowed by Apple?

pavlov 8y ago
I think (not 100% sure, I don’t work actively on iOS apps anymore) that Apple’s current policy is to allow code downloads if they are executed on an OS-provided runtime. That means JavaScriptCore in practice, and React Native passes that bar.
- DerekL 8y ago
  Since June 2017, an app can also run the downloaded code on its own interpreter, and it can be any language, not just JavaScript.
  - chris37879 8y ago
    Only if the app allows the user to view the code, if I remember correctly. It was to encourage programming / teaching apps on the ipad and the like.
  - wlesieutre 8y ago
    Only for apps that let the user see/write the code. You can't download code that changes the app's functionality. 2.5.2 Apps should be self-contained in their bundles, and may not read or write data outside the designated container area, nor may they download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps. Educational apps designed to teach, develop, or allow students to test executable code may, in limited circumstances, download code provided that such code is not used for other purposes. Such apps must make the source code provided by the Application completely viewable and editable by the user. https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/
- mr_toad 8y ago
  React native apps are written in JavaScript & HTML, but they are compiled to native code. They have access to APIs that a browser wouldn’t, and can even link to native libraries.