iOS JIT Restrictions

The cluster discusses Apple's strict iOS policies prohibiting JIT compilers, runtime code generation, interpretation, and execution of unsigned code in App Store apps for security and review reasons, contrasting with macOS freedoms and exploring limited workarounds like JavaScriptCore.

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Keywords

JIT JS IOS M1 CI V8 WASM JVM JavaScriptCore i.e ios jit apple code app app store executable native code apps run

Sample Comments

monocasa Nov 27, 2022 View on HN

Yeah, iOS doesn't allow JITs except for javascriptcore.

simiones Jul 20, 2022 View on HN

No you can't. iOS doesn't allow apps that compile or interpret code at runtime.

tinus_hn Jan 10, 2023 View on HN

Apps can’t run unsigned code on iOS, everything has to be in the bundle submitted for review. That’s why you can’t have a third party JIT compiler.

yoz-y Jun 1, 2018 View on HN

This is only true for iOS apps, not for Mac Apps. You can get Xcode and compile whatever you want with it.

fijal Nov 22, 2012 View on HN

iOS does not allow you to run any sort of non-apple just-in-time compiler (there is no public API to get executable mmaped pages to be precise), so a no go, you cannot.

p1necone Jan 30, 2020 View on HN

You can't even compile and run code on a (mobile) Apple device. It's explicitly against the app store terms and conditions to allow users to do that.

firecall Dec 15, 2020 View on HN

Because it's an Apple sanctioned technology within XCode?

bluehex Jan 28, 2022 View on HN

Would this architecture work on their iOS app as well even with Apple's restrictions on downloading executable code?

toyg Sep 12, 2020 View on HN

You can but they will never look as native as xcode/objc apps.

jadbox Jun 5, 2023 View on HN

but will it run VSCode? Or is this iOS apps locked?