Apple Public Source License
Apple Public Source License
The Apple Public Source License (APSL) is an open-source and free software license under which Apple Inc. released its Darwin operating system in 2000. This license was significant in the software community for its unique approach to licensing, especially as it came from a major corporation like Apple.
The APSL allows users to modify, use, reproduce, display, perform, and distribute the software for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. However, it requires that any modifications are shared back under the same license terms, ensuring that improvements to the original code are accessible to the broader community. This sharing requirement is similar to other copyleft licenses, which aim to keep software free and open while allowing for innovation and improvement.
Key Features
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Open Source Initiative Approval: The APSL has been approved by the Open Source Initiative, a key organization in the open-source community that certifies whether licenses comply with open-source standards.
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External Deployment: Users can deploy modified versions of the software outside their organizations, providing flexibility in how the software can be used and shared.
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Notification of Modifications: Modifications to the source code must carry prominent notices, ensuring transparency and traceability of changes made by different contributors.
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Specific Clauses: The license contains specific clauses for different jurisdictions, like the provision for Quebec, which ensures the license and all related documents are drafted in English due to local language laws.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite its open-source approval, the APSL has faced criticism for not fully conforming to the Debian Free Software Guidelines. This is primarily because the APSL requires source code disclosure for any deployed modifications, which some argue can be a barrier to its acceptance as a fully free software license.
Examples of Use
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Darwin Operating System: The foundational layer of macOS is released under the APSL, which allows developers to explore and modify the system's core functionalities.
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Launchd: The process management daemon developed by Apple was initially subject to the APSL, which posed licensing challenges due to its requirements.
Related Topics
- Free Software Foundation
- Permissive Software Licenses
- Comparison of Free and Open-Source Software Licenses
The APSL plays an integral role in the dialogue surrounding open-source software licenses, bridging corporate and community interests while highlighting the complexities involved in software licensing.