Meteor Hot Code Push OK, but Apple cracking down on others using HCP

[DanRubins]

tl;dr: Apple is sending Dear John letters to developers that take HCP too far. So, how far is too far?

As Meteor developers, we can really benefit from hot code push on mobile apps, but this thread on Apple developer forums is a good reminder to play within their rules. Abusing hot code push to add totally new functionality, especially if it uses private APIs, is a sure way to land your app in the delete pile. So, where’s the line?

• Replacing in-app-purchase with a 3rd party payment processor to circumvent Apple’s cut? Obviously, that’s asking for a lifetime ban.
• Fixing an urgent security bug or minor design issue? Probably OK.

See thread on Hacker News about this. Note: this was specifically about Rollout.io, not Meteor. I’m curious about other people’s take on this.

[jamiter]

See this

Apple starts rejecting apps with “hot code push” features

https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/73640 I am about a day away from submitting my App that I have spent the last 6 months working on to the App Store and I just saw this on HN. Has anyone had any issues submitting recently? It does not look to mention MeteorJS directly but more a service called Rollout.io

And this

Will Meteor apps still get accepted in Apple App Store?

Hi All, This just came to my attention and it is one of the top stories on Hacker News: https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/73640 . Apparently Apple has stopped accepting apps that have hot code push. Has anyone encountered this issue yet? How is meteor core reacting to this issue if it is one? What are people gonna do moving forward? Looking forward to hearing from you all

[DanRubins]

Thanks - that’s helpful!
I changed the title just so people don’t freak out.

[sashko]

Yeah they have always had a rule about not changing the functionality of the app in significant ways - definitely you still need to push real updates sometimes.