Apple opens App Store to PC emulators for iPhone and iPad

Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines to allow PC emulators to offer game downloads, enhancing the state of emulation on iPhones and iPads. This move comes three months after Apple first revised its guidelines to permit emulators in the App Store.

The update, announced on Apple's Developer site, affects section 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which deals with streaming games and game emulators. The new language explicitly states that "retro game console and PC emulator apps can offer to download games," a feature previously unavailable to PC emulator apps.

Additionally, points 4.7, 4.7.2, and 4.7.3 must now be followed for an app to go through notarization, ensuring compliance for inclusion in third-party app storefronts in the European Union.

This change is expected to benefit developers of PC emulators, allowing for more submissions and inclusions in Apple's digital storefront. Notably, Apple allowed UTM SE into the App Store in July after extensive negotiations, signaling a more inclusive future for emulators on its platforms.