Updated: If you want VLC for iPhone, iPad get it now before it's pulled

Looks like VLC for iPhone and iPad is about to be pulled from the App Store because the Open Source Powers That Be don't believe Apple's iTunes App Store is compatible with the GPL components of the app.

Basically, anything under the GPL has to be freely transferable to anyone without restriction. Since the App Store places FairPlay DRM even on free apps like VLC, even though anyone can still download them, that's considered a restriction.

The long and the short of it is this -- if you want VLC for iPhone or iPad, go get it now.

UPDATE: Ars has a great write up on why the issue may not be as cut and dried, and whether or not VLC really will be pu

[iLounge, iTunes link]

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.