Amidst growing antitrust scrutiny, Apple has made a decisive move regarding which emulators can operate on its iOS platform. iPhones have opened up to select emulators, but only those that mimic retro game consoles are allowed. This restriction remains despite the advanced processing capabilities of devices like the A17 Pro chip, which could theoretically support more robust emulation, including PC games. More on this can be found on The Verge.
Rejected Apps
Apple has recently turned down two specific emulator applications: iDOS 3 and UTM SE. iDOS 3, a DOS emulator, was rejected because it does not conform to Apple’s guideline 4.7, which mandates that only retro game console emulators are permissible. The company was unable to provide the developer with clear instructions on how to make iDOS 3 compliant, nor could it precisely define what qualifies as a “retro game console.”
UTM SE’s Challenges
Similarly, UTM SE, which has the potential to run Windows on iOS, faced rejection. Apple’s reasoning was that PCs do not fall under the category of consoles, even though UTM SE could support retro games for Windows and DOS. Additionally, Apple blocked UTM SE from being notarized for third-party app stores in Europe, citing guideline 2.5.2, which prohibits apps from executing code that changes their functionality or affects other apps.
Current Alternatives
For those hoping to play classic PC games on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or the M4 iPad Pro, the wait continues. Apple’s stance on these emulators leaves users looking for alternatives. Various retro game emulators are available, covering systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 1, which can be explored in the interim.
Apple’s decision to restrict emulators that can run non-console games is consistent with its broader strategy to maintain a tightly controlled ecosystem. This approach has been controversial and has led to discussions about the company’s influence over the type of software that can be distributed on its platforms. While the guidelines are meant to ensure a certain standard, they also limit the functionalities that developers can offer.
Comparing the current situation with previous policies, it becomes evident that Apple has always exercised stringent control over app functionalities to maintain security and performance standards. In the past, similar rejections of apps that pushed the boundaries of these guidelines have occurred. However, the recent focus on emulators underscores how these policies adapt to emerging technologies and user demands.
The ongoing rejection of apps like iDOS 3 and UTM SE highlights Apple’s emphasis on maintaining a specific type of user experience. This insistence on regulatory compliance and ecosystem control often conflicts with the desires of tech enthusiasts and developers who wish to exploit the full potential of Apple’s hardware. This tension is a recurring theme in Apple’s app store management and continues to spark debate within the tech community.
Apple’s policies regarding app store submissions are designed to ensure a safe and consistent experience for users, yet they also restrict the scope of innovative apps that could utilize the full potential of iOS devices. The rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE serves as a reminder of the complexities developers face when trying to introduce new functionalities that challenge the existing guidelines. For users, it’s a balancing act between enjoying a controlled, secure environment and missing out on potentially revolutionary applications.
