If the source of the app is released by the author, what about GPL prohibits this?

Edit: I ask because I’m curious to learn and because many systems run apps that are GPL without the whole system being GPL. For example, I love using GIMP on Windows.

Section 6 of the GPLv2 states:

> You may not impose any further restrictions on the recipients' exercise of the rights granted herein.

This conflicts with the App Store's Terms of Service, particularly it's "Usage Rules". https://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store...

This is of course different from merely running GPL software on a proprietary OS. In fact, iOS ships with GPL software on board.

That’s a helpful reference on GPL. I’ll save a link to it.

Not sure this Stack Overflow is current/correct, but it appears other FOSS licenses might be compatible with iOS App Store terms. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/459833/which-open-source...

Note that this applies only if you are using GPL software owned by other people.

If you write entirely your own code, and include only more freely licensed dependencies, you can release your own code under the GPL and still distribute it on the App Store.

Sure, but that's only because if it's your own code, you don't have to follow any rules at all. You can do whatever the heck you want, up to and including making the whole thing closed source.

Apple will remove software from the App Store if they get a whiff of it including GPL code.