Game emulators have long been banned from the App Store and one of the big reasons why users in Europe might visit third-party stores, but that has changed.
Apple eases restrictions on the App Store and opens its store for retro game emulators. The company has confirmed that emulators are welcome on the App Store worldwide and that games can be offered for download. However, those games must meet all the rules, which is an indication that pirated titles will be banned.
This move by Apple should enable the availability of emulators for games normally intended for consoles, which are already available on Android, at least the remaining ones, so that they can also be used by iPhone owners.
Game emulators have long been banned on iOS, so iPhone users have looked to jailbreaking and the like for a solution. They're one of the key reasons iPhone owners in the European Union might visit third-party app stores, but that may not be the case now that emulators are allowed on the App Store.
Along with the new rules on emulators, Apple has also updated its rules on super apps like WeChat. Mini-games and mini-apps within these apps must use HTML5, which clarifies that they cannot be native apps and games.
The change appears to be in response to an antitrust lawsuit filed by the US accusing Apple of trying to destroy cloud game streaming and super apps. Apple recently enabled cloud streaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now on the App Store.
Outside the US, Apple appears to be responding to pressure from the European Commission. In another policy update, the company said it will now allow music streaming apps in the EU to include links that take users to external purchases and provide pricing information. This will allow developers to "invite users to provide an email address for the purpose of sending links to developer websites for the purpose of purchasing digital music content or services."
After the European Commission ruled Apple's anti-handover rules illegal, Spotify tried to update its app with links to its website for buying subscriptions, but didn't get approval from Apple for weeks. However, Spotify is still not happy with Apple's latest change as the Cupertino-based company still plans to charge a commission for purchases via external links despite EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager saying Apple must allow music streaming apps to "communicate freely with users".
"Complying with the law is not an option, but Apple continues to defy that decision. From April 6, the Commission can open non-compliance proceedings and issue fines on a daily basis. It's time for decisive action and to give consumers real choice," said a Spotify spokeswoman. By Jeanne Moran for The Verge.
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