A question about AI2 for iOS

[Ferran_SIMON]

Hello Mr. @ewpatton
I wanted to ask you about the AI2 plan-implementation to be able to compile apps on the iOS operating system to guarantee that one day the ability to build installable packages (.IPA) will be released to all the final users.

It does not matter to wait the necessary time. All can even perfectly accept that it can be released with minimal options and even with undebugged errors so that over time we can test it step by step and improve the environment.

But, what would be very bad is that at some point it was decided to abandon this project (as happened with the issue of Services i AI2). For my part I can wait for what your team needs to release this final functionality, but it would hurt me and all users if said project was finally abandoned for the MIT, since all those interested in AI2 with iOS would have waited in a totally inadequate way.

Thank you for your attention and I am waiting for your answer.
FSG

[Gordon_Lu]

@Ferran_SIMON

But, what would be very bad is that at some point it was decided to abandon this project (as happened with the issue of Services i AI2). For my part I can wait for what your team needs to release this final functionality, but it would hurt me and all users if said project was finally abandoned for the MIT, since all those interested in AI2 with iOS would have waited in a totally inadequate way.

It is never abandoned; for now, the IPA build system is not public and only available for Power Users and licensed users for some reasons. This requires a registered Apple device, an Apple Developer account, and more.

[Ferran_SIMON]

Hi,
Until now I know that it is not abandoned the project. But I asked for the next future. What is the strategy at the current time for this project? Today the delay of the initial project is more than 2 years. This is soo much delay for a normal IT project May be now the conditions are not the same as on the origin and the MIT team decide to close the project as others?

[Anke]

When will the iOS build server be released?

I know this question has been asked many times, but at some point a decision has to be made. And I think it's about time! So is there a date when the (regular) build server will be available for iOS? If I remember correctly, there was a vague announcement for the fall semester 2021 - see here. It doesn't have to / can't be perfect, but every developer can and should check for himself whether his app (IPA) runs correctly on his iOS devices. If you want to wait until no more issues and discre…

[ewpatton]

In our meeting earlier this month with Apple we explored four different potential directions for iOS compilation for App Inventor. We're continuing to discuss with them the best options. In the meantime, we are building out the ad hoc distribution methodology and I'm pushing for us to make an initial version available in May or June.

[Ferran_SIMON]

This is great news. Thank very much Mr. Patton to you and your collaborators for the efforts that make in improving this great collective project that is AI2. Having milestones gives the users much hope for the project and also predisposes us to help in whatever way we can.
FSG

[s_federici]

@ewpatton

we are building out the ad hoc distribution methodology and I'm pushing for us to make an initial version available in May or June.

That would be great. Keep us posted.