Apple updated its App Store rules on Friday to allow emulators of retro console games worldwide with the option to download titles. However, the company cautioned that developers have a responsibility to ensure they follow copyright rules.
Android users already have access to a ton of emulators to play old classics on their devices. Apple's update will probably encourage some developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.
The company says these emulator apps must use an in-app purchase mechanism to offer digital items. Since Apple has to adjust its App Store rules due to regulations, these types of games would provide the company with another revenue stream.
When Apple announced its first set of rules to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations in January, the company also announced that it would allow streaming game stores worldwide. Additionally, we updated the App Store rules at the time to support in-app purchases for mini-games and AI chatbots.
Apple on Friday also updated its terms to provide plugins covering HTLM5-based mini apps. This could possibly include 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 plugins. Additionally, retro gaming console emulator apps may provide games “may be provided for download,” the clause states.
When the U.S. Department of Justice sued Apple last month, reining in super apps was one of five issues in the lawsuit over the company's monopolistic practices.
Another major upgrade to the rules will allow music streaming services like Spotify to display information about subscriptions and other digital purchases, as well as include a link that directs users to a website to complete the purchase. You will be able to do this.
Spotify submitted an update to the App Store last month to show pricing information to users based in the EU, but it didn't receive any approval from Apple for weeks. Apple's latest rules update is likely to pave the way for Spotify's upgraded app in the EU.
We have reached out to Spotify for comment and will update the article if we hear back.