Apple updated its App Store rules on Friday to allow emulators of legacy console games globally with the option to download titles. However, the company warned that developers are responsible for making sure they follow copyright rules.
Android users already have access to a large number of emulators to play old classic games on their devices. Apple's update will likely encourage some of these developers to bring their emulators to the App Store.
The company stated that these simulation apps must use an in-app purchase mechanism to offer digital items. With Apple having to adjust the rules of the App Store due to regulations, these types of games will provide another source of revenue for the company.
In January, when Apple released the first set of rules under the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, the company also announced that it would allow streaming game stores globally. Additionally, it updated its App Store rules at the time to support in-app purchases for mini-games and AI-powered chatbots.
Apple also updated the provision on Friday to introduce plug-ins to cover HTLM5-based widgets — possibly to include services offered by super apps like WeChat.
“Apps may offer certain software that is not included in the binary, namely HTML5 widgets, mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, and plugins. In addition, older game console emulator apps can offer the ability to download games.
Last month, when the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple, cracking down on super apps was one of five points in the lawsuit over the company's monopolistic practices.
Another major upgrade to the rules will allow music streaming services – such as Spotify – to display information about subscriptions and other digital purchases along with including links to direct users to their website to complete the purchase.
Last month, Spotify introduced an update in the App Store to show pricing information for users residing in the European Union.
The music streaming platform said Apple has not yet approved its introduction. Spotify said it is still reviewing Apple's updated rules.
“Following the law is not optional, but Apple continues to challenge this decision. Effective April 6The Commission can initiate non-compliance procedures and impose daily fines. “It's time to take decisive action to give consumers real choice once and for all,” Spotify spokesperson Jane Moran told TechCrunch in a statement.
The story has been updated with Spotify's statement.
