Yes, this is their software and they can do whatever they want. I think Moxie just don't care. In Actor we respect licenses and all other legal stuff.

More information about GPL and Mobile Stores: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/more-about-the-app-store...

The reason you aren't allowed to publish applications containing GPL'd source code in the Apple Store isn't because the GPL forbids it, it's because Apple forbids it; they have an unnatural hatred for the GPL.

From what I can see the Signal application uses GPLv3'd code. I have no idea how it is still available in the Apple store.

You could ask the Moxie for extra permission to publish a non-open source version of Actor with his code on the app-store.

I tried, no luck.

And any fork will need this permission again? I believe that crypto implementations need to be in public domain. What if people can't use some software and will stay unsecured?

You could ask for an exemption from OWS for the App Store (and others) distribution. I don't know if OWS contributors retain individual copyright or just transfer it to OWS (ala GNU contributors to FSF). If former, it could be complicated, but it's worth a try.