[Interest] Deploying open-source Qt-based applications to the AppStore
Nikos Chantziaras
realnc at gmail.com
Thu Mar 29 13:42:20 CEST 2018
On 29/03/18 14:22, Corentin Jabot wrote:
> I'm currently working on a Qt-based application that is fully
> open-source (LGPL, though we are considering re-licensing to MIT/BSD)
> and using the open-source Qt version.
>
> We are contemplating working on an iOS version with the goal to deploy
> it on the AppStore.
>
> In this scenario, can we use the GPL version of Qt, or do we absolutely
> need a commercial license ?
>
> Thanks !
Since your app is open-source and LGPL compatible, you can use the LGPL
version of Qt. However, note that there might be other issues with the
AppStore and GNU licenses. From the FSF:
https://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store-gpl-enforcement
There have been cases where (L)GPL-licensed software was banned from the
AppStore by Apple. On the other hand, other GPL apps are still there. I
do not know if this is because they're keeping a low profile to avoid
Apple noticing them, or they're allowed to stay.
In any event, there seems to be some sort of issue, and you probably
would need to seek advice on this. Even if you license your app under
MIT or BSD, the Qt you ship would still be LGPL and thus the AppStore
issue could still be there.
(For what it's worth, if it was me, I would just publish the app and
assume Apple is not going to do anything, but note that THIS IS NOT
LEGAL ADVICE.)
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