Apple today updated its App Store Guidelines for developers, changing the rules to allow PC emulators to download games.
4.7 Mini apps, mini games, streaming games, chatbots, plug-ins, and game emulators
Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console and PC emulator apps can offer to download games. You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more guidelines will lead to the rejection of your app.
Previously, the guideline said that while console emulator apps could include the option to download games, it did not explicitly cover PC emulators.
The official rule change comes on the heels of the App Store approval of the UTM SE PC emulator, which allows users to emulate old versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux to use classic software and games.
UTM SE was the first PC emulator app to be allowed to be offered in the App Store, but today’s guideline changes will streamline the approval process for the emulator apps to follow.