Recently, Apple has rejected the submissions of iDOS 3 and UTM SE, both retro video game emulators, from the App Store. The rejection was based on guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which allows for retro game emulators specifically for retro game consoles. According to Apple, iDOS 3 and UTM SE did not meet this criteria as they were not emulating retro game consoles, but rather providing emulator functionality for operating systems like DOS and Windows.
Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS 3, expressed his frustration with Apple’s rejection. He mentioned that Apple provided vague reasoning for the rejection and did not give clear guidelines on how to make the apps compliant. When Li asked for clarification on what constitutes a retro game console, Apple was unable to provide a concrete answer and resorted to a subjective judgement of “we know it when we see it.”
UTM SE, another emulator app, also faced rejection from Apple. The App Store Review Board claimed that “PC is not a console,” disregarding the fact that there are retro Windows/DOS games that the app could run. Additionally, UTM SE violated guideline 2.5.2 by not being self-contained and executing code that could introduce or change app features.
Apple’s guidelines regarding retro game emulators on the App Store have caused confusion among developers. While Apple typically does not allow just-in-time compilation, UTM SE claimed to not include it, yet still faced rejection. Apple clarified that guideline 4.7, which allows certain software not embedded in the binary, only applies to App Store apps, leaving UTM SE ineligible.
Developers like Chaoji Li and UTM have expressed helplessness in the face of Apple’s arbitrary decision-making. With Apple being the sole rule maker and enforcer in the iOS ecosystem, developers have little recourse when faced with rejections. Li acknowledged the inconsistency in Apple’s decisions, acknowledging that developers are subject to Apple’s whims.
Apple’s recent decision to allow retro game emulators on the App Store may have been influenced by antitrust scrutiny. The move to support third-party app stores in the EU also aligns with legal requirements under the Digital Markets Act. However, the rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE showcases the challenges developers face when navigating Apple’s app review process.
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE highlights the complexities of developing emulator apps for the App Store. Developers must navigate vague guidelines, inconsistent enforcement, and subjective judgement, making it difficult to predict app approval. As Apple continues to face scrutiny over its app store policies, developers like Chaoji Li and UTM may find themselves at the mercy of Apple’s ever-changing rules and regulations.
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