Apple’s Retro Revolution: Game Emulators Now Welcome on App Store
In a seismic shift that will delight retro gaming enthusiasts, Apple has announced that it will now allow game emulators on its App Store platform. This decision, reversing its long-standing ban, will allow retro console emulators, present on Android, to also be accessible on iPhones.
App Store Opens Gates to Retro Gaming
Apple’s policy change will make it possible for developers to offer downloadable games via the App Store, using game emulators that replicate the hardware of classic consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and Sega Genesis. This shift could potentially open the floodgates for a wide range of beloved retro games to be enjoyed on iPhones.
Prior to this change, iOS users were unable to legally obtain game emulators from the App Store, forcing them to resort to alternative methods such as jailbreaking their devices or exploring third-party app stores.
Apple’s Conditions for Inclusion
While Apple has opened its doors to game emulators, it has emphasized that all games offered through these emulators must “comply with all applicable laws.” This caveat suggests that the company will not tolerate pirated titles, which are illegal in most jurisdictions.
Wider Implications: Super Apps and Antitrust
In addition to allowing game emulators, Apple has also revised its development rules regarding super apps like WeChat. The company has specified that mini-games and mini-apps within these super apps must be built using HTML5, indicating that they cannot be native apps and games. This represents a significant change in Apple’s policy toward app development on its platform and could impact the functionality of super apps.
Apple’s policy adjustments appear to be a response to an antitrust lawsuit filed by the US, accusing the company of attempting to suppress cloud game streaming apps as well as super apps. The company has recently started allowing cloud streaming services such as GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming onto its App Store, indicating a shift in its stance toward these types of applications.
Apple Responding to European Commission Pressure
Outside of the US, Apple is also facing pressure from the European Commission over its App Store policies. In a recent policy update, Apple announced it will now permit music streaming apps in the EU to include in-app links directing users toward external purchases and provide pricing information. Additionally, developers are now allowed 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.”
Despite these changes, Spotify, one of the leading music streaming services, has expressed dissatisfaction with Apple’s modifications. The company attempted to update its app with links to its website for subscription purchases, but faced delays in approval from Apple. Spotify has criticized Apple for still planning to charge a commission on purchases made through external links.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to allow game emulators on the App Store is a significant development that will open up a vast library of classic retro games to iPhone users. However, the company’s conditions for inclusion and its ongoing antitrust battles could shape the future of app development on its platform and impact the experience for both developers and consumers.