[mch82]

I disagree with the bullets about banning/censoring apps.

There are ways to install and run software on iOS without using the AppStore. If developers share source code, people are free to compile and install it using Xcode. It’s also possible to run Python programs using Pythonista. Finally, programs can be run as JavaScript in Safari.

Apple definitely controls the AppStore. That makes it less convenient to install programs than on GNU/Linux, but the freedom is still there. And maybe the added steps mean the people who choose to run code via Xcode, Pythonista, or JavaScript are more likely to understand the risks of running that code.

Edit: Posted incomplete comment on the first try. Also wanted to add that I look up to Stallman as a role model and advocate for open source & contributing back to open source.

[simion314]

Are you aware of the limitations of the methods you describe? If yes it is very dishonest to not mention them, if not you should get the details right(find out how can you share an iOS native app you made with your friends)

[mch82]

Does Apple prohibit sending them the source code so that they can compile and load it through Xcode?

I realize that requires a MacOS computer, which costs money, but the “free” in free software principles is about the freedom to share the code, not the price of the code. Free software is allowed to be sold.

Increasingly, it is also possible to run Swift code on Linux without Xcode or MacOS (recognizing the GUI would need to be rewritten).

[simion314]

Are you serious? Does Sony prevent me emailing my friends my game source code? They "JUST" need developer system with expensive proprietary software and developer accounts, certificates and agree to a few EULAs and ToSs but I am not prevented to send them source code.

[valuearb]

You don’t need to do that on iOS. Xcode is free with $99/year dev account, you can TestFlight builds to all of your friends, up to 10,000 of them.

[simion314]

Is there a 7 or 30 days limit? I found something about this but I am not sure if I am looking in the right places. So if you know this from your experience can you list all the downsides(don't omit anything that won't affect an app that I would send to someone on Windows,Mac, Android or Linux) ?

[valuearb]

Any developer can distribute up to 10,000 people for free through TestFlight with very limited app review. If you add your friends to your developer account there is no review at all.

[mch82]

As an example, here is the source code for Firefox on iOS along with build and install instructions.

https://github.com/mozilla-mobile/firefox-ios/blob/master/RE...