Recently, Apple made a decision to reject the submissions of iDOS 3, a new version of a popular DOS emulator, and UTM SE, an app that allows users to emulate operating systems like Windows on iOS. According to Apple, both of these apps violate guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which specifically permits retro game emulators. The developer of iDOS 3, Chaoji Li, shared some of Apple’s reasoning for the rejection, stating that “the app provides emulator functionality but is not emulating a retro game console specifically.” Li further mentioned that when he asked Apple for guidance on how to be compliant, they were unable to provide clear answers, indicating a lack of clarity on what constitutes a retro game console in Apple’s eyes.
UTM SE, another emulator app, also faced rejection from Apple’s App Store Review Board. The board determined that “PC is not a console,” despite the fact that UTM SE can be used to run retro Windows/DOS games. Additionally, Apple cited guideline 2.5.2 as a reason for not allowing UTM SE to be notarized for third-party app stores, stating that the app violated the rule against executing code that introduces or changes features or functionality of the app, including other apps. This decision seems to contradict Apple’s stance on just-in-time (JIT) compilation, as UTM SE does not include this feature. Moreover, Apple clarified that guideline 4.7, which allows apps to offer certain software not embedded in the binary, is an exception that only applies to App Store apps and is not applicable to UTM SE.
As with other instances of disputes between Apple and app developers, the rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE highlights the arbitrary nature of Apple’s decision-making process. Developers like Chaoji Li and UTM are left at the mercy of Apple’s fickle guidelines, with Apple having the final say on what is permissible on the App Store. Li expressed frustration at Apple’s inconsistency, stating that “as the sole rule maker and enforcer in [the] iOS ecosystem, they don’t need to be consistent at all.” UTM, on the other hand, decided not to pursue further action to get UTM SE on the App Store, deeming the app a subpar experience not worth fighting for.
Apple’s decision to potentially allow retro game emulators on the App Store in April is seen as a response to increasing antitrust scrutiny. The company has been facing challenges around its App Store policies and has made certain concessions to comply with regulations. In March, Apple launched support for third-party app stores in the EU as a way to navigate the requirements of the Digital Markets Act.
The ongoing battle between Apple and developers of retro video game emulators like iDOS 3 and UTM SE sheds light on the challenges faced by app developers in navigating Apple’s App Store guidelines. The lack of clear communication and consistency from Apple can lead to frustration and uncertainty for developers, ultimately impacting the availability of innovative apps and experiences for users.
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