"In what way? It is the GPL that prevents GPL software from being distributed via the App Store. Frankly, I see no reason why it should be a problem, as the bin

"In what way? It is the GPL that prevents GPL software from being distributed via the App Store. Frankly, I see no reason why it should be a problem, as the binary distributed that way could easily link to a web page with the source...." The whole point of the GPL is that wherever GPL-covered software goes, the freedoms (to run, study, modify, and distribute the software) go with it. Availability of source code isn't the goal; it's just a necessary condition. Because iOS devices will only run code signed by Apple's keys (and Apple doesn't distribute those keys, obviously), it's impossible for a developer to distribute software via the App Store without separating the software from the freedoms. That's why it's not allowed.