Apple relaxes App Store rules to permit game emulators

Apple has loosened its App Store rules to permit the inclusion of "retro game console emulator apps" on its platform.

This move comes after years of pressure from users and legislators, particularly in Europe, where enthusiasts previously had to resort to jailbreaking their devices or using complex workarounds to access emulation apps on their iPhones.

In an update to its App Review Guidelines at the end of last week, Apple confirmed the policy change. While app...

8 April 2024 | App Stores

Apple is killing web apps in the EU

Apple is ending support for progressive web apps (PWAs) for iPhone users within the EU, stirring concern among developers and users alike. This decision comes as a definitive blow to the accessibility and functionality of web-based applications on Apple devices.

The move to discontinue web app support has been apparent in each iteration of the iOS 17.4 beta, with users experiencing persistent issues. However, Apple has now clarified that this is deliberate.

In an update...

16 February 2024 | iOS

Apple will prepare for sideloading in iOS 17

iOS 17 is expected to be relatively light on major new features, but it will still contain significant changes.

The majority of Apple’s development efforts over the past year have been focused on preparing for the launch of its mixed-reality headset. As such, most of the company’s existing platforms have taken a backseat.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a long history of accurate reporting on Apple’s plans, the upcoming iOS 17 will provide several...

17 April 2023 | App Stores

Developers can now submit iOS apps with Live Activities

iOS 16.1 will release to the public next week and so Apple is now inviting developers to submit apps supporting the new Live Activities feature.

Live Activities are a key feature of iOS 16 and enable applications to display real-time information on the Lock Screen (or the ‘Dynamic Island’ for the new iPhone Pro devices).

Such information could include live scores for ongoing sports games, the status of takeaway orders, or the progress of a taxi ride:

A...

19 October 2022 | API

Developers can now create custom App Store offer codes

Apple is finally letting developers create their own custom offer codes for in-app subscriptions.

In 2020, Apple introduced the ability to generate offer codes for in-app subscriptions. However, there were two major limitations: they were randomly generated and were for one-time use.

On the Apple Developer website, the company announced that it’s lifting both limitations so developers can create offer codes like BRINGONSUMMER that can be used for as long – or,...

21 January 2022 | App Stores

Apple vows to collect App Store commission even through alternative payment systems

Apple is being forced to support alternative payment systems in a growing number of regions but has made clear that it still intends to collect a commission.

Historically, Apple has charged a 30 percent commission on App Store sales—including in-app purchases and subscriptions. In 2021, Apple is estimated to have generated 85.1 billion in gross app revenue globally.

Apple has faced more scrutiny than most platform holders due to its “walled garden” that does not...

18 January 2022 | App Stores

Class-action lawsuit could force Apple to compensate users for app prices

A class-action lawsuit filed in the UK wants to force Apple to compensate users for potentially inflated app prices.

Until recently, Apple took a 30 percent commission on all app sales. Most app developers feel the cut is unjustifiable and critics believe that it’s an abuse of Apple’s market dominance.

Apple claims the legal action is “meritless”.

Similar criticisms have been made about other app stores but Apple’s grip over its operating system means...

11 May 2021 | App Stores

Corellium enables iOS device virtualisation on individual accounts

Security research firm Corellium has enabled the virtualisation of iOS devices on individual accounts.

Corellium won a lawsuit filed against it by Apple in December which led to this week’s policy change.

In the lawsuit, first filed in 2019, Apple alleged Corellium's virtualisation violated copyrights relating to iOS, iTunes, and UI. However, the court ruled in Corellium’s favour after deeming the company’s virtualisation comes under fair use.

Virtual iOS...

26 January 2021 | Developer

Epic Games takes its Apple antitrust lawsuit across the pond

Clearly unhappy with the lack of progress it’s making in the US, Epic Games is also launching its antitrust lawsuit against Apple in the UK.

Apple removed Epic’s hit game Fortnite from the App Store last year for using its own billing system rather than Cupertino’s own—thus evading the 30 percent cut taken by the iPhone maker.

“Epic believes that you have a right to save money thanks to using more efficient, new purchase options. Apple’s rules add a 30% tax...

15 January 2021 | App Stores

Apple is dropping its cut of most App Store sales to 15 percent

Apple’s cut from most sales on the App Store is dropping to 15 percent in January following increasing pressure.

In an announcement on Wednesday, Apple said its new App Store Small Business Program will enable any developer which earns under $1 million in sales per year to keep more of their revenue.

The previous 30 percent cut Apple took from App Store transactions has come under increased scrutiny over the past year. Apple says the “vast majority” of iOS...

18 November 2020 | App Stores