Apple rejects and blocks UTM app that lets iPhones run Windows



It has been discovered that

UTM , a general-purpose PC system emulator that can emulate Windows or Linux on an iPhone or iPad, has been refused listing on the App Store.

Apple blocks PC emulator from being available in iOS App Store and third-party app stores - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2024/06/09/apple-blocks-pc-emulator-utm-app-store/

UTM is an open source app that can be installed on your iPhone or iPad via third-party app stores, etc. Click on the image below to play a simulation video of using UTM.



In addition to UTM, the developer had developed a limited-functionality version called 'UTM SE' that met the App Store's requirements, and was undergoing review for inclusion.

Recently, emulator apps for retro game consoles were approved for distribution on the App Store, and developers learned of this and assumed that PC emulator apps would also be approved.

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



However, after about two months of review, the answer came back: 'Rejection.' Apple's response was that although the guidelines do indeed state that 'game emulators are permitted,' this does not apply to UTM SE. Furthermore, UTM SE was determined to be inappropriate for notarization verification , which guarantees the identity of third-party apps, and so it was ordered not to be distributed in third-party app stores.




The developer noted that 'UTM SE can also emulate games,' but added, 'We believe that the experience you get with the limited-feature version of UTM SE is substandard and not worth fighting for, so we will abide by Apple's content and policy decisions. We have no intention of investing additional time or effort in making UTM SE available on the App Store or third-party stores unless Apple changes its stance.'

UTM for iOS can still be sideloaded from AltStore and other sources. UTM for Mac is available on the Mac App Store.

in Software, Posted by log1p_kr