## Apple Rejects Approval for PC Emulators on iOS App Store
Earlier this year, Apple garnered attention by officially allowing “retro game emulators” on the iOS App Store, eliminating the necessity for cumbersome jailbreaking or sideloading. However, if you were hoping to emulate retro PC games on your iOS device, you may be disappointed. Despite the new policy, Apple has clearly drawn a line regarding PC emulators.
The Disapproval of iDOS and UTM
In a recent blog update, iDOS developer Chaoji Li disclosed that the latest version of the DOSBox-based MS-DOS emulator was rejected from the iOS App Store after a prolonged two-month review process. According to Li, Apple determined that iDOS does not qualify as a retro game console, thereby making it ineligible under the new guidelines. When Li inquired about specific changes to make the app compliant, Apple did not offer clear instructions.
Similarly, the developer of the iOS Virtual Machine app UTM had a similar experience. Following a two-month review, the App Store review board concluded that “PC is not a console,” despite UTM’s potential for running retro Windows/DOS games.
Understanding Apple’s App Review Guidelines
The revised Rule 4.7 in April’s update to Apple’s App Review Guidelines specifically states that “retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games.” This narrow exception does not extend to classic PC emulators, which run afoul of Apple’s Rule 2.5.2. This rule specifies that iOS Apps may not “download, install, or execute code which introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps.”
Interestingly, this rule also applies to third-party iOS App Stores recently permitted under new European Union regulations. Therefore, even alternative app marketplaces do not provide a viable solution for PC emulation on iOS.
The Distinction Between Console and PC Emulation
While Apple’s guidelines are explicit, the rationale behind them is less clear. Why does Apple treat a DOSBox-style emulator running an old copy of Microsoft Excel differently from the Delta emulator running an NES Tetris game? Is loading Windows 95 on your iPhone fundamentally different from playing an emulated copy of Mario Paint?
A virtual machine or emulator running a modern PC operating system on iOS could theoretically compete with apps available in Apple’s official App Store. However, this seems less relevant when discussing outdated computing environments and obsolete operating systems. Just as Apple’s iOS game emulation rules only apply to “retro” game consoles, a rule for PC emulation could be easily limited to “retro” operating systems.
Solutions for PC Game Emulation on iOS
For those seeking alternatives, using an iOS Remote Desktop App to access games running on a physical desktop PC is an option. Additionally, the Internet Archive’s collection of thousands of MS-DOS games can run in an iOS web browser, although you might encounter issues with controls and sound.
Conclusion
Apple’s position on PC emulators remains firm despite recent changes that allow retro game emulators on the iOS App Store. While the company’s guidelines are clear, their reasoning is less so. For now, iOS users and developers must navigate these distinctions and find alternative methods to enjoy retro PC games on their devices.
Q&A Session
Why did Apple reject the iDOS emulator?
Apple rejected the iDOS emulator because it does not qualify as a retro game console under their guidelines. The company did not provide specific guidance on how to make the app compliant.
Can I use alternative app marketplaces to download PC emulators?
No, Apple’s Rule 2.5.2 also applies to third-party iOS App Stores recently permitted under new European Union regulations. Therefore, alternative app marketplaces do not offer a viable solution for PC emulation on iOS.
What are some alternatives for running retro PC games on iOS?
You can use an iOS Remote Desktop App to access games running on a physical desktop PC. Additionally, the Internet Archive’s collection of MS-DOS games can be run in an iOS web browser, though you might face challenges with controls and sound.
Why does Apple distinguish between console and PC emulation?
Apple’s guidelines are designed to prevent apps from introducing or changing features or functionality of the app, including other apps. A virtual machine or emulator running a modern PC operating system could theoretically compete with apps available in Apple’s official App Store.
Are there any legal alternatives to emulating retro PC games on iOS?
Yes, using an iOS Remote Desktop App or accessing the Internet Archive’s collection of MS-DOS games through an iOS web browser are legal alternatives.
By understanding these guidelines and exploring available alternatives, users can still enjoy retro gaming experiences on their iOS devices within the boundaries set by Apple.
