iOS SDK forbids one even to build any other browser legally (which is glaring example of of lock-in insanity). At least that's how the license looks like. Are there any alternatives way to build code for iOS?
Any Application developed using this SDK must comply with these criteria and requirements, as
they may be modified by Apple from time to time:
....
3.3.2 An Application may not itself install or launch other executable code by any
means, including without limitation through the use of a plug-in architecture, calling other
frameworks, other APIs or otherwise. No interpreted code may be downloaded and used in
an Application except for code that is interpreted and run by Apple's Published APIs and builtin
interpreter(s).
-----------------------
Combine the above with this:
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3.2 Use of the SDK
As a condition to using the SDK, You agree that:
(a) You will only use the SDK for the purposes and in the manner expressly permitted by this
Agreement and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations;
-----------------------
TL;DR (at least how I understood it and IANAL) you can't even legally build any browser which uses its own engine and can run JavaScript code from the network (which is virtually any browser) if you use iOS SDK from Apple.
Of course you can simply ignore this sick level of insanity and build whatever you want, but we are talking about that Apple attempted to legally ban you from building certain applications (it's not even about accepting them in the store, it's about building in compliance with the SDK license!).
Such kind of stuff makes me have zero respect for Apple in general.
I lightly skimmed the iOS SDK part and ctrl + F'ed for key words (executable, SDK, Javascript, code) and nothing like those paragraphs you referenced showed up
2.2 <...> You understand and agree that Applications developed using these SDK materials cannot be
installed or used on an iOS Product or submitted to the App Store unless You enter into a separate iOS Developer Program Agreement with Apple and comply with the Program
Requirements. Information regarding the iOS Developer Program Agreement and the Program Requirements is available within the iOS Developer Program website at http://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/information/index.ht...
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And that brings almost all the same restrictions like before. It's marginally better since now actual building process is not declared illegal, but installation and running the result is. Which doesn't make any practical difference anyway.
I think you are splitting hairs. What would be the point of "legally" allowing you to build an app that could not be submitted to the App Store? The only way to distribute it would be to "illegally" jailbroken devices.
> What would be the point of "legally" allowing you to build an app that could not be submitted to the App Store?
Simple, you can use it personally, or for example submit it to Cydia or any other place without Apple's censorship. Just post it as a download after all. There is nothing illegal in distributing for jailbroken devices.
But that's really irrelevant. The license here doesn't even get to that part - it forbids you to build the browser, regardless of any of your further plans how to use or distribute it. It's completely sick.
