After the European Commission fined Apple $2 billion and announced it was not satisfied with changes the company had made under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple updated its App Store guidelines again on Friday. This time, the company is making it easier for music streaming apps to redirect users to an external website in the EU. For the first time, Apple will enable game emulators on its platforms.
Music streaming apps can now take users to a website
Apple has confirmed the introduction of new “Music Streaming Services Entitlements” for apps distributed in the European Union with the latest update to its App Review Guidelines, which are available on the Apple Developer website. According to the company, music streaming apps “in certain regions” may now contain a link (such as a “buy” button) to an external website.
By special right, music streaming applications may also invite users to provide their email address in order to receive a link to purchase digital music or services through the developer’s website.
This specific change comes after the EU Commission fined Apple for abusing its market position and setting anti-competitive rules in the App Store against Apple Music competitors, known as anti-stewardship measures. Again, Apple makes it clear that the new guidelines only apply to apps distributed in the EU.
App Store guidelines now allow game emulators
But there’s another important update to the App Store’s guidelines, and this one applies worldwide. For the first time, Apple allows developers to create and distribute game emulators on the App Store. The news was confirmed by Apple in an email sent to developers.
Since the very first iPhone, developers have been finding ways to distribute game emulators to iOS users. App Store guidelines have never allowed emulator software, but some apps have been lucky enough to bypass Apple’s review process by disguising their apps and hiding emulators inside them. But that’s now changing with the new App Store guidelines.
The section on mini apps and game streaming has now been updated to include game emulators. “Additionally, retro game console emulator apps may offer game downloads,” Apple says. However, there is a catch.
Apple warns that developers are “responsible for all such software provided in your application, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.” This raises the question of whether anyone can release a game emulator or only companies that own the rights to the games distributed for it.
9to5Mac takes over
Although Apple is appealing the latest EU rulings, it is clear that the company is afraid of another expensive fine. And considering that the EU Commission is still not satisfied with the App Store changes, we can assume that there is a lot more to come.
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