Recently, Apple made a decision to reject the submissions of iDOS 3 and UTM SE, two popular retro video game emulators, citing violation of guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines. This guideline specifically allows for retro game emulators on the App Store, but Apple claimed that both iDOS 3 and UTM SE did not fall under this category. According to Apple, the issue with iDOS 3 was that it provides emulator functionality without emulating a retro game console specifically. Meanwhile, UTM SE faced rejection because Apple considered “PC is not a console” despite the fact that it could run retro Windows / DOS games.
Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS 3, expressed his frustration with Apple’s decision, stating that when he asked for clarification on what changes could be made to comply with the guidelines, Apple had no clear answers. The vague response from Apple, indicating that they would “know it when they see it,” left developers like Li feeling frustrated and powerless in the face of Apple’s arbitrary decision-making process. Similarly, the developers of UTM SE decided not to push further for the app’s inclusion on the App Store, as they believed it was not worth fighting for due to Apple’s inconsistent enforcement of rules.
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE raises questions about the company’s stance on retro game emulators and third-party app execution. While Apple has typically disallowed just-in-time (JIT) compilation in apps, UTM SE claims that it does not include this feature. Additionally, UTM SE argued that its functionality of running retro Windows / DOS games should be permissible under guideline 4.7, which allows certain software that is not embedded in the binary. However, Apple clarified that this exception only applies to App Store apps, excluding UTM SE from consideration despite its compliance with the guideline.
Some speculate that Apple’s decision to crack down on retro game emulators may be a response to antitrust scrutiny, as the company faces increasing pressure to level the playing field for developers and third-party app stores. Additionally, it is worth noting that Apple recently launched support for third-party app stores in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act, indicating a shift in the company’s approach to app distribution and competition. Despite these changes, developers like Li and the creators of UTM SE continue to face challenges when trying to bring their innovative apps to Apple’s App Store.
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE highlights the ongoing struggle between developers and Apple’s stringent App Store review process. The lack of clear guidelines and inconsistent enforcement of rules leave developers frustrated and powerless, as they navigate the complex landscape of Apple’s ecosystem. As the tech giant continues to face scrutiny over its app store policies, it remains to be seen whether retro game emulators and other innovative apps will find a place on the App Store in the future.
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