My App Will Harm You Physically, Using Math (prolost.com)

A developer faced a significant setback when Apple rejected their Drinking Buddy app from the App Store due to concerns over "Physical Harm." This app, built using Bitrig—a unique AI-assisted development tool for creating native iPhone apps directly on the device—acts as a blood alcohol content calculator using the Widmark Formula. Despite the app's potential to promote responsible drinking by tracking alcohol consumption, Apple has strict guidelines that restrict such calculators unless they are paired with hardware for accurate measurement. The developer's appeal was denied, citing the need for proactive safety measures that are not met by software-only solutions. In response to Apple’s rejection, the developer pivoted quickly by utilizing another platform to create a Progressive Web App version of Drinking Buddy, which can function similarly to a native app on mobile devices. This iteration preserves user privacy and allows for offline use, circumventing the App Store's restrictions. The incident highlights not only the challenges of navigating app store regulations but also the evolution of app development through AI tools like Bitrig, showcasing a growing trend in creating functional applications without traditional coding. The developer ultimately emphasizes the balancing act between innovation and compliance in the tech landscape, advocating for more flexible app distribution methods.