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I want to create an iOS app using a GPL library, therefore, I will publish the app as open source under GPL license too. But how can I distribute it to arbitrary customers?

  • App Store: Restricts distribution violates GPL.
  • B2B: Restricts distribution violates GPL.
  • ad Hoc: Manually add every UDID necessary, 100 devices max, restricts distribution violates GPL.
  • Enterprise deployment: Would be necessary to create an Enterprise Developer Account for each customer or would violate apple terms of service. iOS App deployment without AppStore

Article from the FSF about the conflict between the GPL and Apple's terms of service: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store-gpl-enforcement

So is there anyway, or not possible?

Ti-m
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  • Hey, I clarified my question, my intention is to set the app under GPL too. I added an article of the FSF about the conflict between the GPL and Apple's terms of service: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store-gpl-enforcement – Ti-m Jun 04 '18 at 07:45
  • It seems like you have probably answered your own question, but you need a lawyer, not Stack Overflow. The only way to be sure is not to use GPL code. Look for an MIT licensed alternative or write your own code – Paulw11 Jun 04 '18 at 08:07
  • You could possibly provide the source code to each customer and leave it up to them to compile and distribute the solution under an Enterprise membership – Paulw11 Jun 04 '18 at 08:14
  • This is a legal question, not a programming one. You may be able to get help on the [opensource.se] Stack Exchange site. –  Jun 04 '18 at 19:30
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    That FSF article is from 2010. Apple's terms have changed a lot in the 8 years before you posted the question. – Nicolás May 17 '20 at 22:45

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