PC emulator banned from App Store and developers appealed decision

A PC emulator has been removed from the App Store, “infuriating” developers active on the platform. The community perceived Apple’s decision as confusing, inconsistent, and possibly illegal; Maybe it even earned the company a fine.

At the center of the debate is the UTM app, which is a generic computer “emulator” that allows you to use a simulated computer running locally inside your mobile phone. The application was submitted for review on the App Store, but was rejected by review on the grounds that “PC is not a console.”

According to Apple, UTM does not fall under rule 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines, which covers “mini-apps, mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, add-ons, and console emulators.”

pic.twitter.com/SNux03qjJh

— UTM (@UTMapp) June 9, 2024

In addition to being denied distribution on the App Store, the app was also not allowed to be distributed by third-party stores in Europe, where Apple’s ecosystem allows alternative app stores.

But the evaluation process was unusual. Developer Michael Tsai mentions in an article that the review process took two months and seemed inconsistent considering the Nintendo Delta console emulator was allowed on alternative stores. “There is little point in the rules being more flexible on the App Store,” he said in the text.

Other developers participating in the discussion, such as Steve Troughton-Smith, note that Apple’s rejection could even be illegal. “The Enforcement Review will cause further conflict with the European Union and lead to a potential breach of rules attracting fines,” he states.

The debate over UTM is just one of several regarding Apple’s meticulousness with available apps for the iPhone. Since the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the situation in the Apple ecosystem has become even more complicated; because the iPhone now allows downloads from alternative stores, but still subject to certain conditions – ill-fated for some.