Apple hits Replit Agent apps in AI clone crackdown

Apple is reasserting its gatekeeper role against the "vibe-coding" wave, forcing AI agents to rethink distribution as the open web becomes the primary escape hatch. Guideline 2.5.2 prohibits apps from downloading or executing code that changes functionality, effectively blocking in-app previews of AI-generated projects. Guideline 4.3 (Spam) is being weaponized to flag AI-generated apps that lack "unique features," treating them as template software rather than bespoke tools. This crackdown favors established web-first IDEs like Cursor or Bolt.new, while hobbling mobile-first "creation" platforms that rely on native app store distribution. Developers are pivoting to PWA and web-first strategies to bypass the 30% commission and restrictive review cycles of native app stores.