Apple has long been known for its stringent guidelines when it comes to allowing apps on the App Store. Recently, the company decided to reject submissions of iDOS 3 and UTM SE, both of which are retro video game emulators. The reason behind the rejection was guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which specifically allows for retro game emulators. Despite this guideline, Apple felt that these particular emulators did not meet their criteria.
Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS 3, expressed his frustration with Apple’s decision. According to Li, Apple claimed that the app did not specifically emulate a retro game console, which was a requirement for guideline 4.7. When asked what changes needed to be made to comply with the guidelines, Apple was unable to provide a clear answer. Li’s blog post detailed his exasperation with Apple’s vague responses, stating that their reasoning seemed to be based on an “we know it when we see it” mentality.
Similarly, UTM SE, an app that allows users to emulate operating systems like Windows on iOS, was also rejected by the App Store Review Board. The board determined that the app did not fit the criteria of a retro game emulator, as it focused on emulating PCs rather than game consoles. UTM SE was also found to be in violation of guideline 2.5.2, which requires apps to be self-contained and prohibits the execution of code that changes the app’s functionality.
Despite Apple’s clear guidelines on retro game emulators, developers like Chaoji Li and UTM SE found themselves in a confusing situation. While Apple typically does not allow just-in-time compilation, UTM SE claimed that their app did not include this feature. The company also clarified that guideline 4.7, which permits certain software not embedded in the binary, does not apply to UTM SE. This lack of consistency in Apple’s decision-making left developers feeling frustrated and powerless.
Some speculate that Apple’s rejection of retro game emulators is a response to antitrust scrutiny. By limiting the availability of emulators on the App Store, Apple may be attempting to maintain control and prevent competition from third-party app stores. Additionally, Apple’s decision to allow retro game emulators in April may have been influenced by regulatory changes in the EU, such as the Digital Markets Act.
The rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE by the Apple App Store highlights the challenges developers face when trying to navigate the company’s strict guidelines. Despite attempts to comply with Apple’s requirements, developers often find themselves at the mercy of the company’s ever-changing policies and decisions. As the debate over retro game emulators continues, it is clear that the relationship between developers and Apple remains contentious.
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