Apr 08, 2024 11:15:00

Apple allows retro game console emulator apps to be released on the App Store

Apple has updated its App Store review guidelines to include language that explicitly allows retro game console emulator apps. Previously, Apple prohibited apps that executed code from external sources, but the changes now allow 'software that is not embedded in the binary' in certain cases, and state that 'retro game console emulator apps can offer game downloads.'

App Review Guidelines - Apple Developer

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/

App Store guidelines now allow game emulators; more
https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/05/app-store-guidelines-music-apps-game-emulators/

Apple now allows retro game emulators on its App Store—but with big caveats | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/apple-now-allows-retro-game-emulators-on-its-app-store-but-with-big-caveats/

Until now, Apple has not allowed the distribution of game console emulator apps on the App Store. However, on April 6, 2024, the App Store review guidelines were updated, and for the first time, retro game console emulators were explicitly mentioned in 4.7 'Mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, plugins, game emulators.'

Apple states, 'Your app may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, including, among other things, HTML5 mini-apps or mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, and plugins. In addition, retro console emulator apps may offer game downloads. You are responsible for ensuring that any such software offered within your app complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more of the guidelines will result in rejection of your app. You must also follow the additional rules in 4.7.1 and 4.7.5, which are important to maintain the experience App Store customers expect and to ensure the safety of our users,' making it clear that they allow retro console emulators.

Additionally, 4.7.1 and 4.7.5 require compliance with separate policies, such as privacy policies and age restrictions.

Retro game emulators run ROM files, which are image data for game software. Obtaining and playing or distributing ROM files for titles you do not own is a copyright infringement and is illegal. It is also illegal to remove copy protection and play the game. Apple states, 'You are responsible for ensuring that any software provided within your app complies with these guidelines and all applicable laws.'

However, there are cases where it is legal to play ROM files that are image data of software you own or officially distributed ROM files. Apple has stated that 'emulator apps for retro game consoles can download games,' and it is possible that they are considering a situation where 'game makers release their own apps with emulator functions and sell ROM files for download on the app.'

At the time of writing

, the Japanese page of the review guidelines does not mention emulators for retro game consoles, but this revision of the review guidelines is not limited to the EU, but is likely to be global.