> a user cannot download an app’s source, modify it, and use it on their device
But I can do this for open source apps? More specifically (disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and I don't know if this has been tested in court), I personally don't see the GPL requiring that I be able to modify the exact, signed binary that I was shipped if I can create an equivalent one myself.
To use the modified software on your device you have to be a "App Developer" (or whatever Apple calls it), and in the process to becoming one accept the TOS imposed by Apple. So you are only as free to run the modified source as Apple wants you too be.
You have to refresh it every week or something though, right? At least last time I tried it (two years ago maybe?), the self signed apps needed to be re-signed after a short period of time. Fine for development and testing, not so great for actual real use.
Ok, so let's assume I was able to build the source and sign it without needing a Mac. Am I then able to run my newly signed program on my iPhone freely? Do I need to get it into the app store? Are there limitations to installing it directly to my phone?
Just trying to figure out where the incompatibility will the GPL is coming from.
But I can do this for open source apps? More specifically (disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and I don't know if this has been tested in court), I personally don't see the GPL requiring that I be able to modify the exact, signed binary that I was shipped if I can create an equivalent one myself.