For quite some time, Apple’s App Store has been known as a restricted environment. The strict policies have only recently started to loosen up, largely due to EU regulations. However, the process has been challenging, with resistance from Cupertino.
Fortunately, there is some optimism as Apple’s latest App Review Guidelines indicate a more relaxed approach towards allowing additional content within apps. This now includes retro game console emulators that may permit users to download games, also referred to as ROM files.
This could potentially bring emulators back to the App Store, a category that has been largely absent in recent times. The guidelines state that developers are responsible for ensuring all software in their app complies with the guidelines and laws. This raises questions about older game titles classified as “abandonware” that may still have unclear legal status.
In reviewing the new App Review Guidelines, it’s interesting to see Apple grouping “game emulators” with “mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins,” and allowing certain software like HTML5 mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. The mention of HTML5 raises some concerns, particularly when combined with a guideline prohibiting the extension or exposure of native platform APIs without Apple’s permission. This could imply restrictions on native emulators using hardware acceleration through system APIs, potentially limiting emulation for more demanding consoles.
Given Apple’s approach to relaxed regulations and breaking down the “walled garden,” the outcome will likely be influenced by Apple’s precedent. Time will tell how this situation unfolds.
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