Discover the first approved retro game emulators in App Store: Emu64 XL 4, iGBA. Sources revealed many app developers are releasing NES, SNES and Sega Genesis emulators soon. Recently Apple has updated its App Store review guidelines to allow retro game emulators on the iPhone for the first time, along with various types of software such as HTML5 mini-apps and chatbots. Developers must ensure that the software complies with the guidelines and laws. This marks a major shift in Apple's stance towards game emulators and retro game content distribution, providing a legal way for developers to distribute retro game content. Additionally, Apple has relaxed its rules for apps running external code, likely in response to the antitrust lawsuit filed by the United States government over anti-competitive behavior accusations regarding cloud-streamed gaming on the iPhone.
Key Takeaways
- First game emulators available: Emu64 XL 4, iGBA
- NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy emulators are coming soon.
- Apple now allows retro game emulators on the iPhone, marking a significant shift in its App Store review guidelines.
- Developers can distribute retro game content legally, as long as they comply with the guidelines and laws.
- Rules regarding apps running external code have been relaxed, allowing emulators to download games from the internet.
- Apple's move may be a response to the antitrust lawsuit, which accused the company of anti-competitive behavior.
- The update follows Apple's prohibition of cloud-streamed gaming on the iPhone, impacting the fees collected from games on the App Store.
Analysis
Apple's decision to update its App Store review guidelines to permit retro game emulators and relax rules for external code signals a significant policy shift. This move impacts developers, retro game enthusiasts, and potentially competitors in the gaming industry. The relaxation of rules may address antitrust allegations, affecting Apple's legal standing and potentially future litigation outcomes. Short-term consequences may include an influx of retro game content on the App Store, while long-term effects could lead to changes in the competitive landscape for gaming and app distribution platforms. Additionally, this decision may influence regulations and policies regarding app store guidelines and antitrust issues in the tech industry.
Did You Know?
- Apple has updated its App Store review guidelines to allow retro game emulators on the iPhone for the first time, along with various types of software such as HTML5 mini-apps and chatbots.
- Apple's move may be a response to the antitrust lawsuit, which accused the company of anti-competitive behavior.
- The update follows Apple's prohibition of cloud-streamed gaming on the iPhone, impacting the fees collected from games on the App Store.