Apple Loosens App Store Restrictions To Enable Emulators On iOS

Apple seems to be going easy on its App Store restrictions by opening the doors of the marketplace for game emulators. The company recently announced that gaming emulators will be allowed to come to the App Store across the world and offer downloadable games to users.

The Cupertino-based tech giant noted that the games must abide by all the “applicable laws.” However, Apple has also indicated that the apps providing pirated titles will be banned from the app store.

“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,” the company’s new guidelines note.

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Will Android Emulators Now Make It To iOS?

Now for the big question! Will this move enable emulators available on Android to bring their apps on iOS? It’s been long since game emulators have been banned from iOS, forcing iPhone users to seek workarounds or jailbreaks. 

“You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws,” the guidelines read. “Software that does not comply with one or more guidelines will lead to the rejection of your app.”

Besides, Apple has also tweaked rules for super apps like WeChat. The new rules suggest that mini-games and mini-apps within these apps should use HTML5. 

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What Forced Apple To Change Its Rules

Apple’s latest move seems to be a result of the antitrust lawsuit filed by the US, which accused the company of trying to stop super apps and cloud game streaming apps. The company recently allowed cloud streaming services, including Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, on the App Store.

Apart from the US, the company is also taking heat from the European Commission. Apple recently updated another rule, where it will allow music streaming apps in the EU to include in-app links that direct users toward outside purchases and mention pricing details. Apple will also be allowing developers to “invite users to provide their email address for the express purpose of sending them a link to the developer’s website to purchase digital music content or services.”

After Apple’s anti-steering rules were deemed “illegal” by the EU, Spotify tried updating its app with links that will redirect users to its website to buy subscriptions. However, the app did not receive Apple’s approval for weeks.

Apple’s recent change hasn’t sat down well with the music streaming platform, as Apple is still planning to take a commission cut on purchases made through outside links despite the EU’s order for the company to allow apps to operate “freely.”