Building for iOS from Github

[kennylajara]

Hi.

TL;DR: I think deploying our own instance is a good solution for the people wanting to use the iOS build but not allowed to do it because it is in closed beta. Is this possible? How?

I am not new to App Inventor, but I coming back after years. Recently, I learned the iOS version is in closed beta and I won't be able to build an iOS app with App Inventor.

But, considering that App Inventor is open source, I wonder if there is a way to access to the iOS build if I deploy my own instance. And, if this is possible, how?

From this other topic I learned that the reason why it is still in closed beta after years is because:

1. The infrastructure is still not ready to support the expected usage.
2. The build for iOS is still buggy.
3. Building the app for iOS is not free for students.

Well this is what I think:

1. The infrastructure is still not ready to support the expected usage.

If I deploy my own instance my own instance my attempts wont affect MIT's infrastructure.

2. The build for iOS is still buggy.

Considering this is an open source project with an Apache License 2.0, I should have the right to decide if I can live with those bugs or not.

3. Building the app for iOS is not free for students.

If I have an Apple Developer Account and I have my own instance this won't be a problem for me. (Plus, in general, keeping it in closed beta doesn't make it free for students either).

In summary, I think deploying our own instance is a good solution for those craving to test or use the iOS build and willing to pay for it. Is this possible?

[ewpatton]

The iOS version is not currently part of the open source codebase on GitHub. We're in the process of open sourcing at least the companion app but since we are in discussions with Apple about the build functionality that may not be open sourced until a later date.