Apple has recently made a significant change to its App Store rules, allowing for the use of emulators for retro console games on a global scale. This update includes the option for users to download these retro titles, however, the company has also stressed the importance of developers following copyright regulations.
While Android users have had access to a variety of emulators for playing classic games on their devices for a while now, this latest move by Apple may encourage developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.
The tech giant has stated that these emulator apps must use an in-app purchase system to offer virtual items. With Apple constantly having to adapt their App Store regulations due to various policies, these types of games have the potential to bring in additional revenue for the company.
In January, when Apple released their first set of rules in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, they also announced the global acceptance of streaming game stores. They also updated the App Store rules at that time to support in-app purchases for mini-games and AI chatbots.
On Friday, Apple once again updated their rules to include the offering of plug-ins, specifically for HTML5-based mini-apps. This may be a move to accommodate services provided by super apps such as 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 stated.
In the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Apple last month, one of the five points raised was the suppression of super apps and the company’s alleged monopolistic practices.
Another major update to the rules is the allowance for music streaming services, like Spotify, to display subscription information and other digital purchases, as well as provide links to their website for users to complete the transaction.
Spotify had previously submitted an update to the App Store to show pricing information to EU-based users, but it took weeks for Apple to approve it. This latest rule change may finally pave the way for Spotify’s upgraded app in the EU.
We have reached out to Spotify for comment and will update the story if we hear back.
