Rack: iOS App Port

[rupertdev]

OS (if applicable): iOS

Hello! I've seen apps similar to this (SunVox) ported to iOS in the past, do you have any idea what that would take? I've got some experience in C++ and iOS dev, and would be happy to help.

[AndrewBelt]

I have no idea what that would entail, but it wouldn't be easy. Isn't there some license requirement in the app store that all executed code must be included with the app download, i.e. no plugins can be allowed?

[rupertdev]

I'll check it out.

Would be awesome to use the app on my iPad Pro.

[antoniotuzzi]

you can't download any external piece of code that can be executed into an iOS App
but you can sell plugin packages as extensions of the app

[AndrewBelt]

Weird. That'd be a pain in the ass to manage. If it would bring in significant extra income ($20-30k), I'd be interested, but I'll have to see how the desktop commercial stuff works out.

[antoniograzioli]

I have written a couple of apps in the past, and I am afraid that porting Rack to iOs would be a real PITA
-pay a 100$ fee/year to Apple
-rewrite most of te code (AFAIK apps use Swift, which is Objective-C-I might be wrong here )
-work with device MIDI in/out and Audio in/out
-deal with "In-app purchases", no 3rd party allowed
-pay high commissions to Apple (each sale has a commission of +/- 40%)

I don't think it is worth the effort.
Plus, an open project on a super-closed OS?

[antoniotuzzi]

I have written a couple of synths for iOS (since 2008 Jünglinge and Nysthi for iPad )
I still pay the $100 a year (and I work for a company doing software for iOS and android)
100% must rewrite in a selfcontained style
you must use the inner graphic library
you can still use c++ (in objC world) (I did it)
but current official language is switched to swift, now release 4: probably they are going to dismiss objC

I agree, is a pain in the ass dealing with in App purchase, but a lot of money could be done! (fees are 30%)

no problem for "device MIDI in/out and Audio in/out", very powerful libs there

the true problem is that there are a lot of competitors: for example Audulus

[AndrewBelt]

Yes, those are some good points.

• The market is too crowded there.
• iOS is the most closed platform in existence.
• Apps or purchasable content can be pulled at any moment at a whim by Apple.
• Complete rework of audio and MIDI engine (which are per-module at the moment, would need to be changed to per-Rack)
• Deal with breaking updates to the iOS platform once everything is working fine.

Some things are not so bad

• I've compiled C++ with OpenGL to Android before with little hassle. Maybe the same is possible with iOS, with OpenGL ES.
• Probably an equal sized userbase, although iOS users pay less on average for apps

[rupertdev]

Objective-C++ is something that would likely help

[lnikj]

Just a point on market overcrowding - there is nothing like VCVrack there. I don't see Audulus and VCVrack competing in exactly the same space, and I would bet that 99% of existing Audulus users would buy VCVrack in a flash.

The desktop market is far more crowded yet (for example) Blocks and Softube Modular users are all over VCVrack. Exactly the same would occur on IOS.

Although it is a complete port to a different graphics library, look at Moog Model 15's use of Metal. The same could be done with VCVrack with all that photo-realism, gestures, zooming etc ..

I appreciate that it is not likely to happen but if it did then IOS users would lap it up. It would sell well and new devices would bring a constant revenue stream. Korg's gadget releases IAP modules on a semi-regular basis and users buy them up.

Just my thoughts (FWIW).

[rupertdev]

I'd be interested in working on this, though I have some reservations about working on a for profit app. I shot you an email @AndrewBelt , not sure if it made it through. If you're interested in talking about it, hit me up at [email protected]

[AndrewBelt]

@MichaelRupertDev check your spam folder? I can resend if you need.
Basically the jist is that Rack will never be a for profit application. Many future plugins will be, and since the success of those projects will rely on the success of Rack, Rack will be financially supported by these projects.

[PatchworkBoy]

Closest literal on iOS would imo be https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/modular-synthesizer/id599439196?mt=8

Downside of it being restricted number of modules available... but it’s infinitely usable and was my go-to prior to vcvrack.