Apple May Allow Retro Game Emulator On App Store, But Rejects IDOS 3 And UTM SE
JAKARTA - Apple will eventually allow retro video game emulators on the App Store. but this month, the company rejected the iDOS 3 submission, a new version of the popular DOS emulator, and UTM SE, an app that allows users to simulate operating systems like Windows on iOS.
In both cases, Apple said that the new release violated guidelines 4.7 of the App Review Guideline, which is a guideline that allows retro gaming emulators.
What's an emulator?
Emulator is a software or hardware that allows one computer system (called a host) to mimic the function of another computer system (called a guest). Emulators are often used to run software or games designed for different systems than those in use. For example, game emulators allow users to play games originally designed for other consoles on their devices, such as playing Nintendo games on a computer or smartphone.
Chaoji Li, an iDOS 3 developer, shared several reasons for Apple's rejection. This application provides an emulator function but does not simulate retro game consoles specifically, according to a notification from Apple. Only the retro game console emulators are in accordance with 4.7"
"When I asked what changes I had to make to make it right, they didn't know, also when I asked what the retro game console was," Li said in a blog post. Still an old answer that doesn't make sense along the line we know when we see it.
UTM posted about its rejection on X. App Store Review Board determines that PC is not a console' despite the fact that there is a retro Windows/DOS game for PCs that can run with UTM SE, according to the post.
UTM also noted that Apple banned UTM SE from conservation for third-party app stores because the app appeared to violate 2.5.2. The rule states that apps must be independent and cannot run codes that introduce or change features or app functions, including other apps.
Apple usually doesn't allow just-in-time (JIT) compilation. However, and a bit confusing, UTM says that the UTM SE doesn't include just-in-time compilation. Additionally, Apple explains that the 4.7 guidelines, which allow apps to offer certain soft software that isn't embedded in a binary, are exclusions that only apply to App Store applications' but not eligible exceptions to the UTM SE, the UTM said in a follow-up post.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
Update: Apple has contacted and explained that the notary was rejected under 2.5.2 rules and that 4.7 is an exception that only applies to the App Store application (but which does not meet the requirements for UTM SE).
- UTM (@UTMApp) June 10, 2024
Unfortunately, as we can see in other App Store disputes, developers are under the mercy of Apple's changing decisions. "In short, as makers and enforcers of single rules in the iOS ecosystem, they don't need to be consistent at all," Li said in an email.
UTM said it would not encourage further UTM SE to be in the App Store because they think the application is a bad experience and is not worth fighting for.
Apple likely opened the door for retro game emulators in April in response to antitrust surveillance, while launching support for third-party app stores at the EU in March in order to comply with the Digital Market Act.