[Interest] Deploying open-source Qt-based applications to the AppStore

[Konstantin Tokarev]

29.03.2018, 14:41, "Nikos Chantziaras" <realnc at gmail.com>:
> 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.

AFAIK, Apple was never banned (L)GPL code from AppStore without request from
copyright holders of that code. Copyright holders of Qt might want do this, as
AppStore rules violate LGPL.

>
> 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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-- 
Regards,
Konstantin