Apple announced that it is allowing retro game emulators on the App Store, to the surprise of many. The change in its policy for said apps was announced in its recently revised app review guidelines.
Again, the change is a bit of a surprise to everyone and a clear divergent from an earlier Apple policy which bans code that ran from external sources, just like game emulators. While this may sound like good news to some retro app makers, it should be pointed out that the language and choice of words suggests that it still won’t allow the same kind of emulators released for Android.
“Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games. You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more guidelines will lead to the rejection of your app.”
It is likely that Apple is feeling the pinch from antitrust lawsuit from both US and EU regulators, which sort of explains why the fruit company seems to be lengthening its leash on retro game emulators and its developers. In the EU, the brand from Cupertino was ordered to pay US$2 billion (~RM9.49 billion) to Spotify, over a bitter legal battle that had initially been quite civil but devolved as it prolonged itself. Prior to that, the company was also ordered to pay US$539 million (~RM2.56 billion) for allegedly breaking one of the bloc’s laws over music streaming rights as well.
(Source: Apple, Techspot, Ars Technica)
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