Allowing iOS PC Emulator Apps to Download Games
Updated 4.7 to clarify that PC emulator apps can offer to download games.
They’ve also changed the notarization guidelines:
4.7 Mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, plug-ins, and game emulators 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 and PC emulator apps can offer to download games.
[…]
4.7.2 Your app may not extend or expose native platform APIs to the software without prior permission from Apple.
4.7.3 Your app may not share data or privacy permissions to any individual software offered in your app without explicit user consent in each instance.
This fixes the problem where apps in the App Store were allowed to do more than those outside of it.
The guideline previously said that console emulator apps could include the option to download games, but it did not explicitly cover PC emulators.
[…]
UTM SE was the first PC emulator app to be allowed on the App Store , but the guideline changes today will streamline the approval process for similar apps.
See also: App Store Review Guidelines History.
New app review guidelines – does this mean I can finally (legally) get a good DOS game emulator for iPad? Give me Detroit, Space Crusade, Theme Hospital, Dungeon Keeper, and more 🤩
App Store policy changes re PC emulators are baby steps; I don’t think I want to buy another iPad that doesn’t have a way to robustly virtualize a desktop operating system. If Apple’s too scared to put macOS on it, just give us the frameworks and let developers virtualize Windows and Linux.
It’s really sad to think that the M1 chips has powerful emulation capabilities that can’t be even accessed from iPadOS 😓
I’m also out of this platform for this and other reasons (zero development capabilities, no multi-user support)
Previously:
- UTM SE Now in the App Store
- Delta 1.6 Rejected From the App Store
- iDOS 3 Rejected From the App Store
- UTM Blocked Outside App Store via Notarization
- iPad Pro (M4, 7th Generation)
- Allowing iOS Game Emulators and Mini Apps
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Boo, regulators shouldn't need with companies. The companies always knows what's best for their consumers. Regulation will suffocate invention
