In an unexpected twist, Apple now says retro game emulators are allowed in the App Store. The updated policy may bring emulators like RetroArch or Dolphin to the iPhone, depending on how Apple interprets its somewhat vague guidelines.
The updated App Store Guidelines page now specifically mentions “retro game console emulator apps”. It says these apps “may offer game downloads,” though any software offered in a retro emulation app must comply with App Store guidelines and regional laws. These rules are not exclusive to the European Union.
Unfortunately, Apple didn’t take the time to explain this new policy. Emulator apps can “offer to download” games—that’s great, but can they bring their own ROMs?
“Retro game console emulator applications may offer game downloads. You are responsible for all such software offered in your application, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more guideline will result in your application being rejected.”
This policy may be intended solely for licensed emulators. If SEGA, for example, brings a Genesis emulator to iOS, it can distribute the classic games for $5 each instead of bundling all the games within the app itself.
Unlicensed emulators may not be covered by the new Apple policy. Henrik Rydgård, the creator of PPSSPP, says that “it is unclear whether emulators will be allowed to allow the user to choose from their own files, not just in-app downloads.” If Apple prevents users from bringing their own ROMs or ISOs to the table, emulators like PPSSPP or RetroArch will be limited to free games for fans.
Emulators never were explicitly banned from App Store. Retro games that have been ported to iOS are often run inside an emulator. But retro game emulators tend to violate one of the iPhone’s fundamental guidelines—apps aren’t allowed to import and execute unreviewed code. The iDOS emulator was good when it was standalone, but it was banned after the introduction of the file import function.
Yes, the European Union forced Apple to give users and developers a lot more freedom on iOS. But we don’t know how EU regulations will affect game emulation. And Apple refuses to expand EU complaint features to the US or other territories. If the new game emulator guidelines are a response to EU regulations, why are they listed as global guidelines?
We don’t know how Apple’s game emulator policy actually works. Until someone submits a retro game emulator to the App Store review process, the future of game emulation on iOS is unknown.