Apple is expanding its App Store restrictions to allow retro game emulators in the marketplace.
Apple made an announcement on Friday stating that game emulators are now allowed on the App Store worldwide, and users can download games through them. According to Apple, it is important for those games to adhere to all relevant laws. This suggests that apps offering pirated titles may be prohibited.
This move will enable the remaining retro console emulators on Android to bring their applications to the iPhone. Game emulators have been prohibited on iOS for quite some time, which has led iPhone owners to seek alternative methods such as jailbreaking or other solutions.
Additionally, iPhone owners in the European Union may now consider exploring third-party app stores due to their recent allowance in the region. Apple’s recent change could potentially prevent that from happening.
In addition to the new regulations regarding emulators, Apple has also made revisions to its guidelines concerning super apps, including WeChat. According to the latest update, it has been specified that mini-games and mini-apps within these apps must utilize HTML5 instead of native apps and games.
It appears that the modification is a direct response to the United States’ antitrust lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses Apple of trying to eliminate both cloud game streaming apps and super apps. Apple has recently made a decision to allow cloud streaming services, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, to be available on the App Store.
It appears that Apple is taking action in response to the European Commission’s pressure, particularly outside of the United States. The company has announced another rule update today, stating that music streaming apps in the European Union are now permitted to include in-app links that direct users to external purchases and provide pricing information.
Developers will have the ability to ask users for their email address in order to send them a link to the developer’s website for purchasing digital music content or services.
Following the Commission’s declaration that Apple’s anti-steering rules were deemed “illegal,” Spotify made an effort to enhance its app by adding links to its website for subscription purchases.
However, it faced a delay of several weeks in obtaining approval from Apple. Spotify remains dissatisfied with Apple’s latest update. Despite EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager’s directive for Apple to enable music streaming apps to communicate “freely” with users, Apple intends to continue charging a commission on purchases made through external links.
