Apple’s decision to reject iDOS 3 and UTM SE applications from the App Store has left many developers puzzled. The company cited guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines as the reason for the rejections, which specifically allows for retro game emulators. However, Apple stated that these new releases do not fall under this category as they do not emulate retro game consoles.
Chaoji Li, the developer of iDOS 3, expressed his frustration with Apple’s unclear reasoning for the rejection. Apple’s response that “the app provides emulator functionality but is not emulating a retro game console specifically” left Li questioning what changes he needed to make to comply with the guidelines. Apple’s vague definition of a retro game console further added to the confusion, as Li stated that Apple seemed to apply a subjective interpretation of the rules.
UTM SE also faced rejection from the App Store, with Apple stating that “PC is not a console” and therefore does not qualify as a retro game emulator under guideline 4.7. Additionally, UTM SE violated guideline 2.5.2 by not being self-contained and attempting to execute code that changes app functionality.
Despite UTM SE’s assurance that it does not include just-in-time compilation, Apple clarified that the exception for certain software not embedded in the binary only applies to App Store apps, disqualifying UTM SE. This decision highlights Apple’s inconsistent enforcement of guidelines and leaves developers like UTM at a disadvantage in the iOS ecosystem.
Apple’s arbitrary decision-making process has been a point of contention among developers, with Chaoji Li expressing frustration over the lack of consistency in Apple’s enforcement of rules. As the sole authority in the iOS ecosystem, Apple holds the power to approve or reject applications based on its own interpretation of guidelines, leaving developers with limited recourse.
While Apple’s recent shift towards allowing retro game emulators may have been a response to antitrust scrutiny, the rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE indicates ongoing challenges for developers seeking to innovate within Apple’s App Store. Developers like UTM have expressed reluctance to continue pushing for App Store approval, citing the app’s subpar user experience and the difficulty of navigating Apple’s guidelines.
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE raises questions about the company’s criteria for approving retro game emulators on the App Store. The lack of clarity in Apple’s communication with developers and the inconsistent application of guidelines contribute to a challenging environment for app creators. As Apple continues to navigate antitrust concerns and compliance with regulations like the Digital Markets Act, developers may face further obstacles in bringing innovative apps to the iOS platform.
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