I hate to say it again: Get it while you can.

Recently I tried to submit an iDOS update with a few bug fixes, but then got a notification from Apple Review Team, and my heart dropped cold.

To ensure there is no interruption of the availability of your app on the App Store, please submit an update within 14 days of the date of this message. If we do not receive an update compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines within 14 days, your app will be removed from sale.

Long time iDOS users are aware that we have been able to update iDOS meaningfully since last year , because we have enabled file sharing access which gives iDOS the ability to run custom games or programs. We didn't play any trick to fool the reviewers, on the contrary, for any submission, we always provide the following note up front to them:

HI,

This version enables Document Browser mode, but it
- doesn't download code from internet,
- doesn't provide store front,
- only runs emulation in a small portion of screen.

We are perfectly aware of AppStore policy on interpreted code. The reason of this submission is that there are similar apps on AppStore, running js or python code. In principle, iDOS is no different. No security risk since the user code is running inside emulator within the app sandbox. 

For years, we have been requested by thousands of users to enable iTunes file sharing. They really want their old DOS apps to continue to work for them on their iOS devices. So we think we should try for them.

Please let us know if there is any problem.  

Apology to js/python app devs who may be concerned. I was just being desperate. That said, somehow the updates always got through, and led to the recent polularity, then it may have caught some unfavorable attention inside Apple.

The bottom line is that I can not bring myself to cut the critical functionalities of iDOS2 in order to be compliant with Apple's policy. That would be a betrayal to all the users that have purchased this app specifically for those features. Existing users should still be able to download this app in your purchased history, however, if someday you can't and the appstore says "removed by developer", it's definitely not my doing.

UPDATE Aug 10: Apple has removed iDOS 2 from App Store.

FYI: The entire message from AppStore Review

  Jul 22, 2021 at 11:15 PM
  From Apple
  2. 5.2 - Apps should be self-contained
  Please review this information carefully as it impacts your app’s availability on the App Store and requires your immediate action.

  Hello,

  We are writing to let you know about new information regarding your app, iDOS 2, version 2.6.2.

  Upon re-evaluation, we found that your app is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. Specifically, we found your app is in violation of the following:

  Guideline 2.5.2 - Performance - Software Requirements 
  During review, your app installed or launched executable code, which is not permitted on the App Store. 

  Specifically, your app executes iDOS package and image files and allows iTunes File Sharing and Files support for importing games. Executing code can introduce or changes features or functionality of the app and allows for downloading of content without licensing.

  Please note that while educational apps designed to teach, develop, or allow students to test executable code may, in limited circumstances, download code, such code may not be used for other purposes and such apps must make the source code completely viewable and editable by the user.

  Next Steps

  - Review the Software Requirements section of the App Store Review Guidelines.
  - Ensure your app is compliant with all sections of the App Store Review Guidelines and the Terms & Conditions of the Apple Developer Program. 
  - Once your app is fully compliant, resubmit your app for review. 

  To ensure there is no interruption of the availability of your app on the App Store, please submit an update within 14 days of the date of this message. If we do not receive an update compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines within 14 days, your app will be removed from sale. Please note, if your app is found to be out of compliance for any reason and rejected after the time period provided has elapsed, your app will be removed from sale until a compliant update is submitted, approved and released to the App Store. If your app is removed from sale, the TestFlight version of this app will also be unavailable for external and internal testing and all public TestFlight links will no longer be functional.

  Deliberate disregard of the App Store Review Guidelines and attempts to deceive users or undermine the review process are unacceptable and is a direct violation Section 3.2(f) of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. Continuing to violate the Terms & Conditions of the Apple Developer Program will result in the termination of your account, as well as any related or linked accounts, and the removal of all your associated apps from the App Store.

  Future submissions of this app may require a longer review time, and this app will not be eligible for an expedited review.

  If you have any questions about this information, please reply to this message to let us know.

  Best regards,

  App Store Review