Apple has adjusted its App Store policies, making it possible for the iDOS 3 DOS emulator to be listed once more. The modification comes amid critique and possible oversight from the European Union over Apple's tight control of emulator applications.
iDOS 3 Emulator Returns to App Store
Enabling users to run classic DOS games on Apple hardware, iDOS 3 is again accessible on the App Store. It was previously removed for breaching Apple's guidelines, but the revised rules now accommodate PC emulators. Its features include an on-screen keyboard compatible with PCs, Bluetooth support for iOS 14 and later, and a virtual gamepad.
Despite the new approval, developer Chaoji Li is not without reservations. He remains wary that Apple could still find grounds to pull the emulator, given the app's problematic history. Li points out the approval process has been fraught with uncertainty and considerable delays.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
Apple historically excluded PC emulators from the App Store according to rule 4.7, which pertains to mini apps, mini-games, streaming games, chatbots, plug-ins, and game emulators. UTM was the first PC emulator approved under the new policies, after initially being rejected.
Initially welcoming third-party emulators such as the iGBA Game Boy Emulator, Apple subsequently removed them for rule violations. After iGBA's removal, the Provenance emulator allowed gameplay from multiple consoles like NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Atari, Sega, and PlayStation.
Later, emulators like Delta, Gamma, and RetroArch broadened support for various games on iOS, with RetroArch backing over 50 consoles. Additionally, the PlayStation Portable emulator PPSSPP appeared on iOS, and the Folium emulator made it possible to play Nintendo 3DS games on Apple devices more recently.
The updated guidelines have opened the door for more emulators, likely driven by regulatory and user pressures. This has resulted in an uptick of emulator releases on the platform.
The iDOS 3 emulator can be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99 and is compatible with devices running iOS 12 or higher. It allows users to relive the experience of classic DOS games on their iPhones and iPads.
