Apple releases retro game emulators in the App Store

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Apple began to allow game emulators on the App Store, its application store. The updated guidelines, noted first by the site 9to5macnow they claim that applications that emulate retro game consoles are welcome and can even offer download games.

For those who are in a hurry:

• Apple has updated its guidelines, now allowing retro console emulators applications to be offered on the App Store – even with the option to make download games;
• Previously, it was necessary to use unauthorized methods such as jailbreak or sideloading to install iPhones emulators, for example – a practice that can now become obsolete with the new policy;
• Although emulators are allowed, Apple requires developers to be responsible for the content of their applications, ensuring compliance with the laws and rights of games;
• The change in Apple’s guidelines seems to be in response to the European Union (EU) digital market law (DMA), but it goes for developers around the world.

Until then, it was forbidden to make emulators available in the App Store. But developers had found ways to distribute them to iOS users, the iPhone operating system. In order to install them, users often need to resort to jailbreaks and sideloading tools. Or alternative application stores not authorized by the company.

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Retro emulators in the App Store

For starters, this Apple rule update can eliminate the need for users to go through such tortuous paths to enjoy retro games on their devices. In addition, the update can make room for Android available emulators to reach iOS.

However, Apple warns developers that they “are responsible for all the software offered in (their) application, including ensuring that such software complies with these guidelines and all applicable laws.” That is, emulators in the App Store: Can. Pirate Games for Emulators: Can’t.

In the juridics, this caveat means that in the case of download -titled applications, developers need to have the rights to the titles. In practice, it means that fans of specific consoles should hope that their respective companies plan to launch official iOS emulators.

The latest changes in Apple developers guidelines seem to be motivated by regulating the European Union (EU) digital market law (DMA), which targets Big Techs anticompetitive practices. But the new rule on emulators applies to developers around the world.