apple updated the App Store rules Friday to allow emulators for retro console games worldwide with downloadable titles. However, the company warned that developers are responsible for ensuring they adhere to copyright rules.
Android users already have access a tone emulators to play old classics on their devices. Apple’s update will likely encourage some of these developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.
The company stated that these emulator apps must use an in-app purchase mechanism to offer digital items. As Apple has to tweak the rules of the App Store due to regulations, these kinds of games would provide another revenue stream for the company.
In January, when Apple released the first set of rules in compliance with the EU’s digital marketing (DMA) rules, the company also announced that it would allow streaming game stores worldwide. Additionally, it updated the App Store rules at the time to support in-app purchases for mini-games and AI chatbots.
Apple also updated the clause on Friday to offer plugins to cover HTML5-based mini-apps — potentially to include services offered by super apps like WeChat.
“Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, namely 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 US Department of Justice sued Apple, the removal of super apps was one of five points in the lawsuit about the company’s antitrust practices.
Another major upgrade to the rules will allow music streaming services – such as Spotify – to display information about subscriptions and other digital purchases as well as links to take users to their website to complete the purchase.
Last month, Spotify submitted an update to the App Store to show pricing information to users based in the EU.
The music streaming platform said Apple has yet to approve its submission. Spotify said it is still reviewing Apple’s updated rules.
“Following the law is not optional, but Apple continues to defy this ruling. Effective April 6, the Commission can initiate non-compliance procedures and impose daily fines. The time has come for decisive action to give consumers real choice once and for all,” Spotify spokeswoman Jeanne Moran said in a statement to TechCrunch.
The story has been updated with Spotify’s statement.
