In another move that appears to have been made in response to pressure from regulators in the US and EU, Apple has announced that retro game emulators will be allowed in the iOS App Store – although with some pretty big caveats.
The change was noted in Apple’s App Review Guidelines (via The edge), which now states that “retro game console emulator apps may offer to download games”. However, as you might expect, there are some conditions attached.
Apple says developers are responsible for all software in their apps, and says these emulators must comply with “all applicable laws” — and of course, the legality of emulators has always been something of a gray area.
Technically, it’s against the law to run an emulated version of a game that you didn’t actually pay for (even if you pay for the emulator). That could mean that only companies like Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo will be able to take advantage of the changes in the App Store rules and offer these emulator apps.
Mini apps and music streaming
Additionally, the updated guidelines also state that apps can include mini-apps and mini-games, as long as they are written in HTML5. This applies to so-called ‘super apps’ like WeChat, which offer a bunch of different apps in the same package. These apps must now be web-based instead of running natively on the device.
Another change to the guidelines that has occurred at the same time is allowing music streaming apps to connect to third-party websites for purchasing products and services, bypassing the Apple App Store and linked payment systems.
Unlike the changes in the retro game emulators, this one only applies in European Union countries. Apple was recently fined by the EU for keeping streaming services locked in its own walled garden, with the associated 30% cut on all costs.
Apple hasn’t said this officially, but both measures are clearly intended to avoid further fines and further legal action: Apple is now under more scrutiny than ever when it comes to the restrictions it places on third-party apps and developers.