Apple finally allows PC emulators on iPhone, but what's the point ?

© Unsplash/Arun Prakash

In 2024, Apple has made quite a few changes to its iOS platform to comply with the European Union's new digital rules, the Digital Markets Act. For example, in the European Union, the firm now authorizes direct downloads of apps, for certain developers, as well as alternative app stores. But in addition to the new conditions which only apply in the European Union, Apple had also announced the possibility, worldwide, of offering game emulator applications for iOS.

Apple changes its mind on PC emulators

“[…] Applications d& #8217;retro game console emulation can offer to download games. You are responsible for all software offered in your application, including ensuring that such software complies with these guidelines and all applicable laws”, reads Apple's guidelines for developers, which were updated in April. It is thanks to these new rules, for example, that Delta was able to launch its Nintendo emulator which, today, already has 10 million players. On the other hand, at first, Apple still seemed opposed to the arrival of PC emulators on the iPhone.

In June, a developer revealed that Apple had rejected its PC game emulator. And the firm would have indicated: “The application provides emulator functionality, but does not specifically emulate a retro game console.” In other words, Apple didn't view PCs as game consoles. However, the good news is that the firm appears to have changed the way it interprets its rules. Indeed, “UTM SE: Retro PC emulator”, the app which had been refused by Apple, is now available on the App Store. And since visionOS supports iPhone applications, the application is also available on the Vision Pro mixed reality headset.

What is this PC emulator for on the iPhone?

But concretely, what will this emulator be used for ? “UTM SE is a PC emulator that allows you to run classic software and old-school games”, reads the app's description on the App Store. The developer also indicates that users will be able to use pre-designed machines, or create their own configurations.

Capture screen on the App Store. © UTM SE

Otherwise, one of the screenshots available in the description shows that we can use Linux, FreeDOS or even Windows XP distributions. In any case, retrogaming enthusiasts will be able to play old titles like Pinball which was integrated into Windows or Doom.

• In addition to changes it is making only in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act, Apple has also changed the App Store rules to allow retrogaming emulators

< li>However, if the company authorized a Nintendo emulator, it initially refused PC emulators

• But Apple recently changed its mind , and finally authorized the arrival of the first PC emulator on the App Store
• This emulator will allow you to enjoy old classics on an iPhone screen, or on the Vision Pro headset (which supports iOS apps)

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