Create plugin-based iOS app?

Question

AnthonyDM OP

Created Dec ’16

Replies 5

Boosts 0

Views 3.5k

Participants 4

Hi everyone,

I have a project that consists on creating an iPad app that has main features but also has plugins.

I don't want to make all the features and then update the application on the AppStore. What I want is basically to make "plugins" server-side and then the app would read those and implement them in the app. (Ex: just how Wordpress works with its plugin feature).

How can I get started to do it? Is it possible to do it in Swift ? I heard it was not possible to "download" code server side. Do you think I should have a "webview" that requests my server to do it? Should I go with a JS based framework to build native apps?

I know there is "in app purchases", but:

- My project doesn't consist on having to pay into the app

- I think in app-purchases have to be coded directly into the app to be used, not what I want then.

Thank you!

Boost

Answer 1

KMT OP

Dec ’16

iOS does not support plug-ins.

JS is not a 'native' app, but yes, wkwebview, I think, except you talked about most everything but what your app should do, so...dont make us guess, thanks.

>I don't want to make all the features and then update the application on the AppStore.

No idea what that means...

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Answer 2

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Dec ’16

This issue has both a technical and a business side. You should start by considering the business side. Specifically, take a look at clause 2.5.2 of the App Store Review Guidelines.

The critical point is the definition of “executable code”. The only folks who can give you a definitive ruling as to what does or doesn’t constitute “executable code” is App Review. However, I think it’s safe to say the following:

Creating a theme engine that skins your UI based on an XML specification you download is fine
Downloading and running Swift code is not

Anything in between these extremes exists in a grey area that App Review will have to rule on.

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

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Answer 3

AnthonyDM OP

Dec ’16

Thanks for the answer, eskimo!

I am aware of that clause, of course.

The plugins will not be theme skinning, but instead will be full features. The best example I can give is the plugin management system that Wordpress has (or any other CMS).

Thanks.

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Answer 4

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

Dec ’16

Alas, I’m not familiar with Wordpress’s plug-in infrastructure so that analogy doesn’t help.

Regardless, it seems me you have two options here:

Create a plug-in specification that’s simple enough that you can reasonable tell App Review that it’s not executable code.
Create a plug-in specification that uses executable code but that falls under some usage that App Review allows (like JavaScript in a web view).

Share and Enjoy
—
Quinn “The Eskimo!”
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware

let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"

0

Answer 5

ejc3 OP

Dec ’23

The obsidian editor lets you do just that: https://obsidian.md/plugins

I think main difference from those prohibitive guidelines is that the plugins aren’t general purpose.

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