Gamers rejoice! Apple updates its App Store guidelines to allow emulators
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Key notes
- Apple has updated its App Store policy.
- Apple will allow game emulators on its App Store.
- According to the updated App Store policy, music streaming apps can now redirect users to external websites for making purchases.
Apple abuses its dominant position in the iOS mobile app market, according to recent in-depth investigations done by EU regulators. The abuse of position was the reason behind the Cupertino tech giant receiving a heavy financial blow in the form of a €1.8 billion fine by the EU. While Apple said it would appeal the fine imposed by the EU, the company updated its App Store guidelines again to allow game emulators on its App Store.
Apple to allow game emulators on the App Store
Apple was never in favor of allowing the distribution of game emulators through its App Store, due to, according to the company, concerns related to copyright and legal issues. But a lot has changed since the EU’s Digital Market Act (DMA) came into effect, including the company’s stance on game emulators.
Apple has now started sending emails to developers informing them that they can now distribute game emulators through the App Store. However, all the emulator apps will still have to follow “all applicable laws” to make their way to the App Store.
Music streaming apps like Spotify can now redirect users to websites
In the investigation done by the EU, Apple was accused of following anti-competitive practices by preventing music streaming app developers from fully informing consumers about cheaper subscription options available outside the App Store ecosystem. This, per EU, violates Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and was one of the reasons behind the fine. Apple is now on a course correction by updating the App Store rules.
Apart from allowing game emulators, Apple’s App Store policy says that the company will allow music streaming apps to redirect users to external websites for buying music content or services. Not only that, but the music streaming platforms will also be able to ask users to send them their emails, where users will receive a link to the developers’ website for making purchases. However, this applies to the EU region only, as per the Apple Developer website.
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