Apple updated its App Store rules Friday to allow retro console game emulators globally with an option to download titles. However, the company warned that developers are responsible for ensuring they comply with copyright rules.
Android users can now access a ton of emulators to play old classics on your devices. Apple's update will likely encourage some of those developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.
The company stated that these emulator apps must use an in-app purchasing mechanism to offer digital items. Since Apple has to modify the App Store rules due to regulations, these types of games would provide another source of income for the company.
In January, when Apple published the first set of rules under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, the company also announced that it would allow streaming of game stores globally. 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 add-ons covering HTLM5-based applets, possibly to include services offered by super apps like WeChat.
“Apps may offer certain software that is not built into the binary, specifically HTML5 applets and mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, and add-ons. Additionally, retro game console emulator applications may offer the ability to download games,” the clause said.
Last month, when the US Department of Justice sued Apple, the removal of super apps was one of the five points of the lawsuit over the company's monopolistic practices.
Another major update to the rules will allow music streaming services, such as Spotify, to display information about subscriptions and other digital purchases, as well as include links to take users to their website to complete the purchase.
Last month, Spotify introduced an update to the App Store to show pricing information to EU users.
The music streaming platform said Apple has not yet approved its submission. Spotify said it is still reviewing Apple's updated rules.
“Following the law is not optional, but Apple continues to challenge that decision. Effective 6 of April, the Commission can initiate non-compliance procedures and impose daily fines. “It’s time to take decisive action to once and for all give consumers real choice,” Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran told TechCrunch in a statement.
The story has been updated with Spotify's statement.
