iPhone users have to wait for the Game Boy emulator of their dreams.
Photo: Caleb Oquendo/Pexels
Over the weekend, a Game Boy emulator appeared in the iPhone App Store. This could be proof that Apple has indeed removed restrictions blocking retro game emulators.
That’s the problem appointment the app has already been removed from the software store. But it was a very dodgy app that allegedly stole another developer’s work. So its removal may have nothing to do with recent changes in Apple policy.
Hooray, the first Game Boy emulator in the App Store!
For years, Apple banned developers from listing retro game emulators for download on the App Store. He actively removed all such that slipped through the review process.
But in early April, the company updated its App Store guidelines to allow this type of software. It was part of Apple’s relaxation of previous rules that prohibited developers from creating apps that are bundles of mini-apps.
iGBA: GBA & GBC retro emulator is apparently the first application introduced after the change. His performance on Saturday would normally be cause for rejoicing — people have been wanting a Game Boy emulator for the iPhone for years.
And while the software was loaded with ads, that’s typical for free games. Users have also complained that it tracks their locations, which is also not unusual for free games – more people should check how “free” apps track them.
And it disappeared
But then on Sunday, developer Riley Testut complained that the first Game Boy emulator was a rip-off of his own app. “So apparently Apple has approved a copy of GBA4iOS — the Delta predecessor I made in high school — in the App Store,” Testut wrote on Threads. “I didn’t give anyone permission to do that.”
GBA4iOS is a Game Boy Advance emulator Testut released many years ago. He is also the developer of AltStore.
Testuto’s complaint seems to have been what was to be gained iGBA: GBA & GBC retro emulator launched the App Store. It was allegedly removed due to copyright infringement and spam.
So those looking to see if Apple really, truly means it when it says that retro game emulators for the iPhone are now allowed still don’t know for sure one way or the other.