Game Boy Emulator Removed from App Store: Apple Takes Action
Apple Removes iGBA Game Boy Emulator App
Apple has removed iGBA, a Game Boy emulator app for the iPhone, after approving its launch over the weekend. This move comes after EU regulators forced Apple to open up to App Store competitors, such as AltStore, which aims to offer game emulators and other Patreon-backed apps to iPhone users. iGBA was one of the first apps to take advantage of Apple’s relaxed rules for retro game emulators.
Unauthorized PlayStation Emulator Surfaces on App Store
The iGBA app, developed by an unauthorized individual, was a copy of the open-source project GBA4iOS. It allowed users to download Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color ROMs from the web and play them on their iPhones. Riley Testut, the developer of GBA4iOS, expressed his frustration and anger towards Apple for approving iGBA without his permission. Testut claims that his own app, Delta, has been ready for launch since March 5.
Controversy Surrounding iGBA
Some users and developers noted that the knock-off iGBA app used the same code as GBA4iOS. While GBA4iOS was distributed under a GNU GPL v2 license, Riley Testut added a custom restriction to it, prohibiting App Store distribution for any work containing the code. Apple, in line with its guidelines, eventually removed the iGBA app for violating App Store guidelines around spam and copyright.
Apple’s Response
Apple provided an explanation for the app’s approval, stating that the functionality in the iGBA app was initially approved. However, upon learning that the app was copying another developer’s submission and passing it off as its own, Apple took action and removed the app. This action is in accordance with Apple’s guidelines and demonstrates the company’s commitment to protecting consumers from scams and rip-offs.
New App Store Rules and Regulation Compliance
Apple’s development and updates to App Store rules have been influenced by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple recently announced that it would support streaming game stores globally, and it also updated its rules to permit retro game emulators. These emulators, however, must use in-app purchases if they offer downloads of digital items. Apple’s decision to remove the iGBA app, despite it being free and ad-supported, aligns with its efforts to enforce these rules and regulations.