And Just Like That, PC Emulator Apps Are Allowed On Apple’s App Store Afterall
It was just a few weeks ago that we were discussing how an update Apple made to its rules for its App Store allowed for some retro-console game emulator apps, but not retro-PC game emulator apps for some reason. When Apple made the policy change, developer Chaoji Li submitted his app, iDOS, for consideration, only to have it rejected. Adding to the frustration were reps for the App Store suggesting that Li “make changes” to the app and resubmit it, but could not articulate what those changes should be. Elsewhere, Apple pointed that the policy change specifically allowed for “console” emulators and not PC emulators, though why that particular distinction made it into the policy at all was never explained.
What this all creates is a platform that is changing its own policies for its own reasons, all behind an opaque wall, with those attempting to submit to the app store left in the dark. And it all comes off as an organization that is making these changes haphazardly. Including welcome changes, which just occurred with Apple revising the policy yet again such that iDOS is now allowed after all in the App Store.
Developer Chaoji Li’s announcement of iDOS 3’s availability didn’t have a tone of triumph to it, though—more like exhaustion, given the app’s struggles over the years:
“It has been a long wait for common sense to prevail within Apple. As much as I want to celebrate, I still can’t help being a little bit cautious about the future. Are we good from now on?
I hope iDOS can now enjoy its turn to stay and grow.
P.S. Even though words feel inadequate at times, I would like to say thank you to the supporters of iDOS. In many ways, you keep iDOS alive.”
And so now it’s live in the App Store. What caused Apple to change its stance on retro PC emulation? Who knows! Will Apple change its mind somewhere down the road and nix the app from its platform once again? Who knows! Can other PC emulator apps successfully be listed alongside iDOS? Definitely maybe!
But at least for now we can recognize that the policy change from Apple is a good one. There is zero reason why console emulators should be allowed but not an app like iDOS. But to foster a really healthy ecosystem for its App Store, it sure would help for Apple to be more transparent about its rules in the future.