Apple will allow game emulator apps on the App Store worldwide in another policy shift as lawmakers mount regulatory pressure over the company’s practices. Similarly, Apple will permit music streaming apps in the European Union to include links to direct users to buy subscriptions externally on the developer’s website.
Apple confirmed the changes in new guidelines and support documents through its Apple Developer portal. The company notes that external purchase links support for music streaming apps in Europe is available for apps distributed within the European Economic Area (EEA). This will allow Spotify and other developers who comply with the Music Streaming Services Entitlement to place a link within their apps that directs users to complete a transaction outside the App Store billing system.
Music Streaming Services Entitlements: music streaming apps in specific regions can use Music Streaming Services Entitlements to include a link (which may take the form of a buy button) to the developer’s website that informs users of other ways to purchase digital music content or services. These entitlements also permit music streaming app developers to invite users to provide their email address for the express purpose of sending them a link to the developer’s website to purchase digital music content or services.
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Apple Developer
Apple was forced to make this change as part of a European Commission order last month. The company was fined $2 billion over anti-competitive practices for rival music streaming apps on the App Store. As part of the EC’s ruling, Apple also had to relax its anti-steering provisions that prevent music streaming providers from providing external payment links on their apps, which Apple has addressed today with its latest guideline update.
The decision represents a significant win for Spotify, which has repeatedly pointed out anti-steering as a disadvantage for itself against Apple Music. However, it remains to be seen if Spotify will actually get to take advantage of Apple’s anti-steering changes as the Cupertino company confirmed it will appeal the EC’s ruling following the penalty’s announcement.
Separately, Apple is now allowing game emulator apps to be submitted to the App Store. These apps enable users to play retro gaming titles emulated from legacy consoles to run on iOS. The new guidelines under section 4.7 will allow developers to build apps encompassing HTML5-based mini-apps and mini-games alongside streaming games, chatbots, and more.
Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games.
App Store Guidelines
The decision to allow gaming emulator apps will be effective worldwide and won’t just be limited to iPhone users in Europe. This follows Apple’s decision to allow game streaming apps on the App Store worldwide, a resolution the company announced alongside EU-designated app ecosystem changes in January.
