Yeah, apple is scatter shot when it comes to appstore enforcement.

I suspect if there isn’t a zap icon, but instead a setting in the app which causes a zap to happen when the user posts a reaction, then that would be allowed in another app but not Damus. Mostly because now there’s a big note in the Damus file telling them to look extra carefully at anything related to zaps.

The thing is, flying under the radar works when you’re small but won’t once apps get to scale, and the whole point of this project is to reach a larger audience.

It is similar to how GPL apps are technically in violation of the AppStore rules. If somebody complains to apple, then the GPL app will be removed from the AppStore. In the case of GPL, it’s not like apple really cares, but their license rules are incompatible with the GPL license so if informed, they’ll remove the app.

I think the real solution is to join the campaign demanding alternative payment channels and app stores on iOS. It is not ok that such an important platform for communication is locked down the way apple does it.