Apple Updates App Store Rules to Permit Retro Game Emulators Worldwide

Apple updated its App Store rules Friday to allow emulators for retro console games globally with an option for downloading titles. However, the company warned that the developers are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright rules.

Android users can already access a plethora of emulators to play old classics on their devices. Apple’s update will likely incentivize some of those developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.

The company stated that these emulator apps must utilize an in-app purchase mechanism to offer digital items. With Apple having to adjust App Store rules due to regulations, these types of games could provide an additional revenue stream for the company.

In January, when Apple released the initial set of rules in line with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, the company also announced that it would permit streaming game stores globally. Additionally, it updated App Store rules at that time to support in-app purchases for mini-games and AI chatbots.

Apple also updated the clause on Friday for offering plug-ins to cover HTML5-based mini-apps — possibly to encompass services offered by super apps like WeChat.

“Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games,” the clause said.

Last month, when the U.S. Department of Justice sued Apple, suppression of super apps was one of the five points in the lawsuit concerning the company’s monopolistic practices.

Another significant update to the rules will enable music streaming services — such as Spotify — to display information about subscriptions and other digital purchases, as well as include links to direct users to their website to complete the purchase.

Last month, Spotify submitted an update in the App Store to display pricing information to EU-based users.

The music streaming platform stated that Apple has yet to approve its submission, and it is still reviewing Apple’s updated rules.