Classic game emulation won't be limited to just the Mac for a very long time
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The App Store policy change removes a very old rule that prohibits the use of emulators on the iPhone and iPad.
One of the App Store's longest-standing rules is a ban on apps that use external code. This meant a virtual ban on emulators of consoles and classic games.
The change in App Store Guideline 4.7 changes all of that.
Specifically, Apple now allows “non-binary software” to run inside apps hosted on the App Store. The company details what it can run, and the list includes “retro gaming console emulator apps.”
The developers are responsible for any software that may be uploaded to the application. Apple specifically states that add-ons and ROMs must comply with several guidelines and all applicable laws.
Specifically, Apple states that the following provisions must be complied with:
- Follow all privacy rules, including, but not limited to, the rules set forth in Guideline 5.1 regarding the collection, use and sharing of data and sensitive data (such as health data and personal data of children).
- Enable a filtering method objectionable materials, a mechanism for reporting content and responding to issues in a timely manner, and the ability to block abusive users.
- Use in-app purchases to offer digital goods or services to end users.
- Apps do not may extend or expose native platform APIs to software without prior permission from Apple.
- Apps may not transfer data or privacy permissions to any individual software offered within the app without the user's explicit consent in each case.
- The software and metadata index must be available. in the application. It must include universal links pointing to all software offered in the application.
- Applications must have the highest age-rated content available
Subject to existing content emulators often rely on user-supplied ROM files, it is unclear how this will be implemented. In emulators on jailbroken devices, some use files to import ROM files and BIOS files, while others have a special file import feature.
Despite the position of console manufacturers, the concept of emulation is legal. What is illegal is the use of ROM files that the user does not own or manufacturers' source code to create emulators, which is what caused Connectix's Playstation emulator to crash more than two decades ago.
A number of emulators are now available for other platforms — like Mac. It probably won't take long for these emulators to appear on iOS and iPadOS.
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