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In recent months, Apple’s tight grip on its App Store policies has begun to loosen. Following regulations from entities such as the EU, the company has just updated its App Review Guidelines. It has further opened the door to retro game emulators and ROM downloads.
For the first time ever, emulators will be allowed on the App Store. This change means that iOS users may soon be able to play their favorite classic games from systems like Nintendo and Sega systems directly on their iPhones and iPads. However, Apple has also established many strict rules. Developers must ensure that any games they distribute are done so legally to avoid potential copyright issues with abandonware titles.
Some caution remains, though. In its guidelines, Apple lumps emulators in with mini apps and plugins. That means they must use HTML5 rather than native system APIs for things like hardware acceleration. This could severely limit the types of emulators that come to the platform. Consoles like the PlayStation may not emulate well without low-level access.
New App Store policy allows emulator apps, but with restrictions
Developers will have to work within Apple’s guidelines for what constitutes a properly “hosted” emulator. And, as with past reversals, Apple retains full control over the App Store ecosystem. If emulators are poorly implemented or violate other policies, a crackdown could always occur.
“You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws,” Apple writes in its App Review Guidelines.
As is often the case with Apple’s policies, the implementation and interpretation of these new guidelines will likely set a precedent that will shape the future of emulator apps on the App Store. The gaming community will be watching closely as developers begin to navigate these new waters, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their favorite classic games on iOS devices.