Apple has introduced new language to its developer standards that permits game emulators to be used on the App Store, in addition to allowing music streaming apps to link to external websites. The revised policies, which were originally observed by 9to5Mac, state that applications that emulate vintage game consoles are allowed and may even provide downloadable titles. It is also said that Apple sent developers an email confirming that they are allowed to make and sell emulators on its marketplace.
Before this upgrade, emulator software was prohibited from the App Store, but developers managed to get them into the hands of iOS consumers. Users typically have to jailbreak their devices, use sideloading software, or use unofficial rival app stores in order to install them. This regulation update might make it unnecessary for consumers to go to such efforts and increase the number of Android emulators available on iOS.
Apple warns developers, however, that they “are responsible for all such software offered in [their] app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.” Clearly, allowing emulators on the App Store doesn’t mean that it’s allowing pirated games, as well. Any app offering titles for download that the developer doesn’t own the rights to is a no-no, so fans of specific consoles will just have to hope that their companies are planning to release official emulators for iOS. While these latest changes to Apple’s developer guidelines seem to be motivated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act regulation, which targets big tech companies’ anti-competitive practices, the new rule on emulators applies to all developers worldwide.
