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The TL;DR is that the app store EULA is incompatible with the GPL. The main issue is that the GPL stipulates that the licensor cannot restrict distribution abo
by nevir 13y ago
The TL;DR is that the app store EULA is incompatible with the GPL.
The main issue is that the GPL stipulates that the licensor cannot restrict distribution above and beyond the GPL's terms. Because apps must also be distributed under Apple's ToS, the app author would violate the GPL (e.g. due to DRM and regional restrictions).
Basically, this is Apple protecting their asses as well as the developer. Any downstream dev could sue you for using their GPL library (or at least force you off the app store). This is why build of VLC was yanked.
The FSF has a good article on it: http://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store-gpl-enforcement http://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store-...
- interpol_p 13y agoI'd like to hear more about this. Can you distribute on the official Google Play store and incorporate GPL code? Is this allowed because there is an alternate means of installing apps (side loading) which you must make available to all users? I'm curious if a developer can incorporate GPL code in their app and make it available only on Google Play or the Amazon App Store while supplying the relevant source code (or object files) — but not making the unsigned/unprotected APK available to the public.