Apple recently addressed whether users can run PC emulators on their iPhones and iPads, with the release of the iOS 18 public beta expected soon. This has clarified Apple’s stance on emulators for the upcoming period.
Apple does not allow retro games to be played via PC emulators!
Known for opposing modifications and tools like emulators on their devices, Apple, along with Nintendo, surprised everyone a few weeks ago by allowing certain retro game emulators on the App Store.
Today, the power of mobile devices, especially flagship models like the iPhone 15, is well known to all of us. This has led users to attempt crazy things, like installing PC emulators on their mobile devices. However, two developers who recently announced that they had developed a tool capable of emulating the DOS operating system seem to have been vetoed by Apple.
While Apple allows console games to be played via emulators on iPhones to some extent, it has stated that PCs cannot be considered consoles. An Apple representative clarified that despite the presence of retro games on PCs, computers are not considered consoles, and they will not allow this under any circumstances.
Following Apple’s announcement, some application developers have expressed their frustration. Litchie, a developer known for his enthusiasm in developing PC emulators, claimed in his personal blog that Apple knows almost nothing about emulators.
Litchie stated, “When I asked what changes I needed to make for compatibility, they had no idea, and the same when I asked what a retro game console was…”
It appears that Apple has initially shut the doors to developers. What do you think about this issue? Do you think there is a possibility of Apple changing its policy in the future? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.