Apple updates App Store guidelines to welcome retro game emulators globally: Full details

tech.hindustantimes.com:

In a recent move, Apple has revised its App Store guidelines to greenlight the availability of retro game emulators worldwide, providing users with the option to download titles. This significant update signals a shift in Apple's stance on emulation software, a domain previously restricted within its ecosystem. 

The updated regulations come with a limitation: developers must ensure compliance with copyright laws, underscoring Apple's commitment to intellectual property rights. While Android users have long enjoyed access to a plethora of emulators for vintage console games, Apple's decision is poised to incentivise developers to port their creations to the App Store platform, Techcrunch reported. 

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Crucially, Apple mandates that emulator apps incorporate an in-app purchase system for digital items, potentially unlocking a new revenue stream for both developers and the company itself. This strategic adjustment aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to navigate regulatory landscapes, as seen in its earlier adaptation to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules.

Notably, this latest revision follows Apple's concession to allow streaming game stores globally earlier this year, underscoring the tech giant's adaptability to evolving market dynamics. Additionally, the updated guidelines extend support for in-app purchases to encompass mini-games, AI chatbots, and now, retro game console emulator apps.

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Further expanding its purview, Apple's update includes provisions for offering plug-ins to accommodate HTML5-based mini-apps, a move likely aimed at integrating services from super apps such as WeChat. This multifaceted approach to app ecosystem management reflects Apple's responsiveness to the changing digital landscape.

In light of recent legal challenges, including a