Apple Ends Years-Long Ban, Now Allowing Game Emulators on App Store

In March, the European Commission imposed a $2 billion fine on Apple and expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s recent adjustments to adhere to the DMA. As part of this, Apple was mandated to eliminate “anti-steering provisions” from its App Store regulations. Consequently, Apple has once again revised its App Store guidelines, permitting music streaming apps to redirect users to external websites within the EU. This update also marks a reversal of the previous prohibition on game emulator apps for iPhones and iPads.

Apple has made a groundbreaking decision by allowing game emulators to offer downloadable games in the App Store. Notably, Android has supported emulators from the outset. This development signifies that iPhone users worldwide can now easily access emulators directly from the App Store, eliminating the need for risky workarounds. Previously, users had to resort to jailbreaking their iPhones or turning to unverified apps that could contain hidden emulators. This shift is particularly significant for EU iPhone users, who now have the option to rely on third-party app stores, a practice permitted in the region.

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines, permitting developers to create and distribute retro console game emulators on the platform. The company sent an email to developers to confirm this significant change.

Since the inception of the iPhone, developers have been striving to deliver game emulators to iPhone users, albeit facing restrictions due to Apple’s stringent guidelines that previously disallowed emulator software. Despite this, some dubious apps managed to slip through Apple’s review process by concealing hidden emulators within them. Apple’s recent modifications aim to address these loopholes.

Now, mini apps and game streaming services have been updated to integrate game emulators. Additionally, Apple now allows retro game console emulator apps to facilitate game downloads. However, there’s a caveat.

Apple has issued a clear warning, placing the responsibility on developers for any software that can be loaded into an app. Furthermore, the company explicitly states that such software, add-ons, and ROMs must adhere to specific guidelines and comply with all relevant laws.

“Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games. You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.“-Apple

Apple has outlined a set of rules for developers to adhere to:

• Follow all privacy guidelines, encompassing those in Guideline 5.1, which pertains to data collection, usage, and sharing, including sensitive data like health and personal information from children.

• Implement a method for filtering objectionable content, a system to report content and address concerns promptly, and the ability to block abusive users.

• Utilize in-app purchases for offering digital goods or services to users.

• Obtain prior permission from Apple before extending or exposing native platform APIs to the software.

• Do not share data or privacy permissions with any individual software within the app without explicit user consent each time.

• Provide an index of software and metadata within the app, including universal links leading to all software offered.

• Display the age rating of the highest age-rated content available.

The enforcement of these conditions is unclear, as existing emulators often depend on ROM files provided by users. The concept of emulators is legal, but it is illegal to use ROM files or source code from manufacturers without ownership rights to develop the emulators.

With Apple’s recent change, it may take some time before the first emulator appears on the App Store. However, the exciting news is that emulators are finally coming to iPhones worldwide, which will delight retro gamers.

These changes by Apple are likely aimed at avoiding another costly fine. Additionally, since the EU remains unsatisfied with the App Store adjustments, we can expect to see many more updates in the near future.