272 Views 6 Replies
      Latest reply on Dec 5, 2016 2:06 PM by eskimo
      AnthonyDM Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)
      AnthonyDM Dec 4, 2016 2:37 PM

        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!

        • Tags:
        • Re: Create plugin-based iOS app?
          KMT Level 9 Level 9 (15,485 points)
          KMT Dec 4, 2016 2:56 PM (in response to AnthonyDM)

          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...

            • Re: Create plugin-based iOS app?
              AnthonyDM Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)
              AnthonyDM Dec 5, 2016 12:22 AM (in response to KMT)

              Thanks for the answer.

               

              What I want is to make an app and then do something on the app for it to support plugins.

              For example:

              Just like Wordpress works. I want the app that does things, and then I want the user to download plugins afterwards. Those plugins would be hosted from a server that the app is listening to.

               

              It does not requires to explain what the app should do.

               

              Thanks!

            • Re: Create plugin-based iOS app?
              eskimo Apple Staff Apple Staff (13,325 points)
              eskimo Dec 5, 2016 1:14 AM (in response to AnthonyDM)

              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"

                • Re: Create plugin-based iOS app?
                  AnthonyDM Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)
                  AnthonyDM Dec 5, 2016 1:57 AM (in response to eskimo)

                  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.

                    • Re: Create plugin-based iOS app?
                      eskimo Apple Staff Apple Staff (13,325 points)
                      eskimo Dec 5, 2016 2:06 PM (in response to AnthonyDM)

                      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"