The recent decision by Apple to reject the submissions of iDOS 3 and UTM SE has sparked controversy in the tech community. Both iDOS 3 and UTM SE are popular emulators that allow users to run retro games and operating systems on their iOS devices. However, Apple cited guideline 4.7 of the App Review Guidelines as the reason for the rejection, stating that only emulators of retro game consoles are allowed on the App Store. This decision has left developers like Chaoji Li, the creator of iDOS 3, frustrated and confused.
Chaoji Li expressed his frustration with Apple’s decision in a blog post, stating that Apple’s reasoning for the rejection was unclear. When he asked Apple what changes he needed to make to comply with the guidelines, he received no specific guidance. Apple’s response that the app does not emulate a retro game console specifically has left developers puzzled as to what exactly qualifies as a retro game console in Apple’s eyes. This lack of clarity from Apple has made it difficult for developers to understand and adhere to the guidelines.
UTM SE’s Rejection
UTM SE, another popular emulator, also faced rejection from the App Store Review Board. The board determined that “PC is not a console,” despite the fact that the emulator can run retro Windows/DOS games. UTM SE was also barred from being notarized for third-party app stores due to a violation of guideline 2.5.2, which states that apps must be self-contained and cannot execute code that introduces or changes features or functionality of the app. This decision by Apple has further fueled the debate over the company’s strict app review process.
Apple’s Inconsistencies
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE raises questions about the company’s app review process and its consistency in applying guidelines. While Apple has historically not allowed just-in-time compilation, UTM SE clarified that it does not include such compilation. Despite this, Apple still rejected the emulator, citing that it does not qualify for the exception under guideline 4.7. This lack of transparency and consistency from Apple has left developers feeling frustrated and powerless in the face of Apple’s seemingly arbitrary decisions.
As seen in previous disputes with the App Store, developers like Chaoji Li and the creators of UTM SE are at the mercy of Apple’s decision-making. Apple’s dominant position in the iOS ecosystem allows them to make and enforce rules as they see fit, without the need for consistency or clarity. Li expressed his frustration with Apple’s unilateral power, stating that developers must abide by Apple’s rules, no matter how unreasonable they may seem. This power dynamic places developers in a vulnerable position, unsure of how to navigate Apple’s opaque and ever-changing guidelines.
Apple’s rejection of iDOS 3 and UTM SE sheds light on the challenges that developers face when trying to navigate the App Store’s strict guidelines. The lack of clarity, consistency, and transparency in Apple’s decision-making process has left developers feeling frustrated and powerless. As Apple continues to enforce its rules with little explanation or recourse for developers, the tech community may see further conflicts arise in the future. It remains to be seen whether Apple will address the concerns raised by developers and provide clearer guidelines for the submission of emulators on the App Store.