iOS developers TwoLivesLeft have just released an interesting new app called Codify, which brings touch based programming to the iPad.
The app allows users to create their own programs using the Lua programming language by typing code directly on your iPad. Also included are various assets and programming examples to be used in your creations:
Apps such as Codify are now possible since Apple relaxed their App Store rules that originally prohibited interpreted code in iOS apps. Apple now does allow for interpreted code to be run in-app, but still prohibits the download of such code. As noted by TouchArcade, this means that anything you create in Codify can't be exported (or imported).
I've heard more than a few developers attempting to create similar tools for the iPad, but all of them have hit various roadblocks in the Apple approval process because they all (in one way or another) allowed you to get code and assets onto the device and execute it. Codify sidesteps this by coming with a wide variety of assets, but unfortunately all of your creations will be trapped on your own device.
The developer has already submitted an update that allows sharing, but the developer isn't certain if Apple will allow it.
Due to the limited nature of the environment, the tool is mostly useful for experimentation and prototyping, as you won't be able to send your creations to anyone else. Still, it's an interesting idea and pushes the iPad into more content creation areas.
Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
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Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker.
For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com.
The new...
Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by Juli Clover
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released.
iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months.
Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...
Sunday January 25, 2026 11:46 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year.
First up...
Since you can't get your creations off the device I guess this'll be great for casual programming, but the actual stuff will still be done on computers :cool:
IMO, Apple's standard for the app store is pretty darn sensible: they require that all of the code be submitted with the app, and that code can't be changed at runtime.
I don't quite know what "artificial" would mean in this context. Their standards are in place to minimize the odds that a virus could corrupt a program or the entire iOS device. Limiting apps to the code submitted by the dev sounds like a good common-sense standard.
The Apple II maxed out at 48KB. Making anything run there required all sorts of Woznikian hacks.
We no longer need to have our computers run in such a promiscuous mode; it is a step forward.
Taking away the ability to program a computer is NOT a step forward. The iPad represents about 2/3rds of the vision Alan Kay had for the future of computers back when he did his groundbreaking work at Xerox Parc. Making programming pervasively accessible is the other 1/3rd, and done right, it may be the most powerful part.
I bought a copy of Codify as a show of support that Apple should allow apps that let people program on the iPad.
Quick answer: not awesome at all. Unless you mean touching a real keyboard, with real tactile input for fast typing, and fewer errors.
I realize that that a BT keyboard can be used, but until I can attach a few 30" monitors and ergo mice to my iPad, it is still a far cry from useful for programming.
I'd hate to see you about 15-20 years ago when we were still programming from a shell with no autocomplete, popup menus to choose functions, no mouse support let alone touch all on a 14" CRT.
