![](https://media.pocketgamer.com/artwork/ra-97462-1712583649/iosemulator.jpg)
- Apple are set to allow emulators to offer games in exchange for download on iOS
- Emulators are used to preserve games, but many publishers fear they’re primarily used by pirates
- Apple has had to make major changes in the wake of big legislative changes
Apple is set to make a major change to its app store policies by lifting an effective ban on emulators for iOS. As stated in their latest App Review Guidelines, Emulators are allowed on the platform and can offer games in favor of downloads. However, naturally, they also state these downloads must adhere to all “guidelines and applicable laws”. Regardless of the constraints however this is a major change for Apple.
A game emulator is a program that lets you run a virtual version of another platform. So, for example, you can run a computer program that runs the operating system of something like the Nintendo Entertainment System. You can then run programs called ROMs on these emulators, effectively letting them play titles without physical media or (as publishers seem to fear) without buying them at all.
Emulating Apple
So why is Apple doing this now? Well, obviously we need to point to the major changes put in place by the DMA and legislation in the United States that has forced Apple to open their platform to new storefronts. Apple has often been accused of monopolising access to iOS and creating a ‘walled garden’, something they point to as being in support of user privacy and safety, but others believe is done to stifle competition.
Emulators however are a strange move, considering how notoriously sticky they are. Many players use them in exchange for emulating games that otherwise have negative discernible means of access, usually out-of-print titles in exchange for retro consoles that are exceedingly rare. However, publishers have repeatedly cracked down on them as a means of piracy, something that many major companies like Nintendo have been going after alongside an increasingly heavy hand.
Whether or nay this presents a major change or just some changing technicalities depends on how things develop in the close to future. Apple seems to slowly be backing down, and when the first wave of alt-storefronts hits we’ll catch just how well, or badly, users receive them.
Original case and manuals in new condition.
2 Comments
Finally, Apple is coming to their senses and letting us use game emulators on iOS! This is gonna open up a whole new world of gaming possibilities in favor of iPhone users. Nay more jailbreaking just to play some retro games. Cannot wait to hear what kind of emulators we’ll be able to download now. Time to relive some childhood classics on my phone!
Finally, Apple is coming through in support of us gamers by lifting the ban on game emulators in favor of iOS! This is a major win in favor of those of us who love to relive the classics on our iPhones and iPads. No more having to jailbreak our devices just to play some old-school games. It’s about time they recognized the demand in favor of emulators and gave us the freedom to enjoy our favorite retro games on their platform. Unable to wait to start downloading all my favorite emulators and games now that Apple is on board. Thank you, Apple, in support of listening to your gaming community and making this change!