Retro game emulators are now allowed in the iOS App Store, but there are caveats

Changes for music streamers too

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

In another move that seems to have been made in response to pressure from regulatorsin the USandin the EU,Applehas announced that retro game emulators will be allowed in the iOS App Store – though there are some fairly big caveats attached.

The change has been spotted on Apple’sApp Review Guidelines(viaThe Verge), which now state that “retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games”. As you would expect though, there are some strings attached.

Apple says developers are responsible for all the software inside their apps, and says these emulators must comply with “all applicable laws” – and of course the legality of emulators has always beensomething of a gray area.

Technically speaking, it is against the law to run an emulated version of a game that you’ve not actually paid for (even if you’re paying for the emulator). That might mean it’s only companies such asMicrosoft,Sony, and Nintendo who will be able to take advantage of the App Store rule changes and offer these emulator apps.

Mini apps and music streaming

What’s more, the updated guidelines also state that apps can include mini apps and mini games inside them, as long as they’re written in HTML5. This applies to so-called ‘super apps’ such as WeChat, which offer a bunch of different apps in the same package – these apps must now be web-based rather than running natively on the device.

Another edit to the guidelines that’s happened at the same time is allowing music streaming apps to link out to external websites for purchasing products and services, getting around Apple App Store and linked payment systems.

Unlike the retro game emulators change though, this one only applies in European Union countries. Apple was recentlyfined by the EUfor keeping streaming services locked inside its own walled garden, with the associated 30% cut of any fees.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Apple hasn’t officially said so, but both these moves are clearly designed to avoid further fines and further legal action: Apple is now under more scrutiny than ever when it comes to the restrictions it puts on third-party apps and developers.

You might also like

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

A newly reported iPhone phenomenon could be bad news for both cops and robbers

The iPhone 18 series could include a variable aperture, ‘significantly enhancing’ the camera

Phishing attacks surge in 2024 as cybercriminals adopt AI tools and multi-channel tactics