Hacker News Reader

Comment by g0atbutt | Hacker News Reader

The reason f.lux sideloaded app got pulled is because they didn't release their source code. Instead, f.lux relied on loading/patching a binary that bypassed some of iOS security features and could load unsigned binarys (read: it could then run pirated apps).

View on HN

You need to look at what the definition of "sideloaded" is, as you seem to have it fundamentally confused with its exact opposite.

This order of operations is incorrect, though the grandparent set you up a bit by saying "released on iOS". In order to install the f.lux app you would first need to be jailbroken, ie able to run pirated apps.

Not true, f.lux released a version of their app in the App Store. Apple pulled their app and so they added another method to sideload it https://justgetflux.com/sideload/ using xcode. Apple then revoked their development license which broke that method as well. It's always been available as a jailbreak tweak but it's also been available to the general, non-jailbroken public

Why don't they just open-source it? I'm sure that'd get around the reason Apple banned it.

I don't think you understand how Apple works. They love to promote proprietary software in their "walled garden".

Apple's concern was that f.lux changes the color of the screen outside the app, and that fact alone goes directly against Apple's philosophy of keeping apps in their own respective sandboxes. Only Apple is allowed to change UI outside of an app. Consistency at all costs.

I think you don't understand what the comment was implying. If it was open source anyone could build it using xcode and install it in their devices themselves.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com