The latest update of Apple is a massive treat for retro game lovers, particularly as the App Store will soon allow game emulators to be available to download to iOS, iPadOS, and possibly, macOS. This is a new development for the Cupertino giant as it previously blocked the availability of game emulators on the App Store, but there seems to be a catch from the company.
However, there are still no schedules for the arrival of game emulators for Apple's technology ecosystem via the App Store.
Apple App Store to Allow Retro Game Emulators Soon
According to a new update by Apple on its App Store guidelines, the company would soon offer the availability of game emulators to the platform, available to download on eligible devices.
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.
Apple
This follows the company's DMA compliance which opens up more of the App Store for third-party platforms, especially as the ban on emulators was also part of the reason why people sought out sideloading for the iOS.
App Store Game Emulators Coming Worldwide
The App Store's game emulator availability would possibly be available worldwide, and not only in the EU, as mandated by the DMA.
However, Apple still has a catch regarding this emulator and other mini apps or games availability, claiming that developers should comply with its guidelines, policies, and applicable laws. In one of the keywords, "applicable laws," Apple may be indicating that pirated titles would also be a possible breach, one that could lead to app rejection and ban.
Apple App Store's Loosening Policies
The European Union's sweeping declaration of the Digital Markets Act is known for designating Apple and its App Store as a gatekeeper, and this led to Cupertino changing a lot on its platform to comply with the law. This led to Apple opening up sideloading for the iOS platform, one that also allows third-party marketplaces to distribute apps for the iPhone.
Despite this, there are still policies in place for the EU region, its constituents, and developers to follow, particularly as it requires an app to be downloaded 1 million times in 2023 for it to be sideloaded, either via third-party app stores or websites. On the other hand, Apple's App Store would only allow updates for third-party apps within 30 days outside of the EU.
The DMA may have changed Apple, but the company may be also applying what it learned from the iron hand of the EU and its policies to other regions of the world. That starts with its confirmation that the Apple App Store will now allow game emulators coming soon in the future and would be available to download, but with the exception that it would not distribute pirated retro games or titles to users.
