Apple Seems to relax restrictions on iOS retro game emulators but rejects some apps
TapTechNews June 25 news, it seems that Apple is seemingly relaxing the restrictions on retro game emulators on the iOS platform, but puzzlingly, this month the company has successively rejected the listing applications of two related Apps: respectively, the latest version iDOS3 of the well-known DOS emulator iDOS, and UTMSE that can simulate and run operating systems such as Windows on iOS devices.
In the rejection reasons, Apple mentioned Article 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which is precisely the rule that allows retro game emulator to be listed. However, Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS3, said in an interview with TheVerge that the specific explanation given by Apple is: Although the application provides emulator functions, but it is not specifically for simulating retro game consoles. According to Article 4.7, only retro game console simulators are allowed to be listed.
Li wrote in his blog: I asked how to modify the App to comply with the regulations, but they couldn't give any suggestions. When I asked what a retro game console is, they couldn't answer either. It's the same as before, it's still the old-fashioned unreasonable excuse of 'we know when we see it'.
UTM announced the reason for rejection on its website: The App Store Review Board believes that 'PC is not a game console', although UTMSE can run retro Windows/DOS games.
UTM also pointed out that Apple refused to notarize for it, preventing it from entering third-party app stores. The reason is that the application violates Article 2.5.2 of the guideline. This article stipulates that the App must be independent and cannot run code that introduces or changes its own functions or the functions of other Apps.
It is worth noting that Apple usually does not allow the use of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation technology. However, UTMSE said it does not use JIT compilation, which is puzzling. Apple later clarified that the exemption right in Article 4.7 that allows the App to provide specific software not embedded in the package only applies to Apps released through the Apple AppStore and does not apply to UTMSE.
As of TapTechNews' press time, Apple has not responded to this matter yet.
Li said in an email: In the final analysis, as the only rule-maker and enforcer in the iOS ecosystem, they根本 don't need to be consistent all the time. UTM said it will not fight for the listing of UTMSE anymore because they think the application has a poor experience and is not worth fighting for.
Some analysis believes that the reason why Apple loosened its mouth on retro game emulators in April may be related to the antitrust review it is facing. And in March, in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act, Apple opened support for third-party app stores in the EU.