Apple says no to PC emulators on iOS

According to news on June 25, Apple seems to be relaxing restrictions on retro game emulators on the iOS platform. However, what is puzzling is that this month, the company rejected two related App applications: one is a well-known DOS emulator. The latest version of iDOS, iDOS 3, and UTM SE can emulate operating systems such as Windows on iOS devices.

▲ UTM Simulator for iOS

Among the reasons for rejection, Apple mentioned Article 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which is the provision that allows retro game emulators to be put on the shelves. However, Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS 3, said in an interview with The Verge that the specific explanation given by Apple is: "Although the application provides an emulator function, it does not specifically simulate retro game consoles. According to Article 4.7, only Retro game console emulators are only allowed to be put on the shelves." Li wrote in the 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 was, they couldn't. I can’t answer that. It’s the same old ‘we’ll know it when we see it’ argument.” UTM posted the reason for the rejection on its website: "The App Store Review Board determined that 'PC is not a gaming console,' even though UTM SE can run retro Windows/DOS games." UTM also noted that Apple refused to notarize it, Make it inaccessible to third-party app stores. The reason is that the app violates guideline 2.5.2. The terms stipulate that the app must be self-contained and cannot run code that introduces or changes its own functionality or the functionality of other apps. It’s worth mentioning that Apple generally does not allow the use of just-in-time compilation (JIT) technology. However, UTM SE states that it does not use just-in-time compilation, which is confusing. Apple later clarified that the exemption in Section 4.7 that allows apps to provide "specific software that is not embedded in a package" only applies to apps distributed through the Apple App Store and does not apply to UTM SE. As of press time, Apple has not responded to this matter. Li said in an email: "In the final analysis, as the only rule makers and enforcers in the iOS ecosystem, they do not need to be consistent at all." UTM stated that it will no longer fight for UTM SE to be listed because they believe The app is "a poor experience and not worth fighting over." Some analysts believe that the reason why Apple relaxed its stance on retro game emulators in April may be related to the antitrust review it faced. In March, in order to comply with the Digital Market Act, Apple opened support for third-party app stores in the EU.

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