Apple recently took down iGBA, a Game Boy emulator app for the iPhone, after initially approving its release over the weekend. This action followed Apple’s relaxation of rules regarding retro game emulators in response to pressure from EU regulators. The tech giant’s decision to allow such emulators came after demands to open up the App Store to competitors like AltStore, which offers game emulators and other Patreon-backed apps to iPhone users.
Launched on Sunday, iGBA was an ad-supported version of GBA4iOS, an open-source project that provided a Game Boy game emulator for iOS devices. The app, which allowed users to download Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color ROMs from the internet and play them within the app, gained swift attention.
However, iGBA was submitted to the App Store without consent from GBA4iOS developer Riley Testut, who is also behind AltStore and Delta, a Nintendo emulator that serves as a successor to GBA4iOS.
Expressing his displeasure in a post on Threads, Testut voiced his frustration with Apple approving iGBA, especially as his own app Delta, which has been ready for launch since March 5th, has not received the same level of attention. He highlighted his dissatisfaction with his work being copied and monetized without permission.
Post by @rileytestut
View on Threads
Testut criticized the unauthorized usage of his code in the knock-off version, indicating that Apple allowed the app to breach App Store guidelines regarding spam and copyright infringement (violating rules 4.3 and 5.2). Apple eventually sided with Testut by removing the app from the store, despite its initial approval.
Post by @kche1gamer
View on Threads
Apple clarified that while the app’s functionality was initially approved, it took action upon learning about the unauthorized use of another developer’s work. This move was in line with its App Store policies.
Under pressure from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has made efforts to increase openness in the App Store. Following an update to meet new regulations, Apple made way for streaming game stores and, more recently, extended support for retro game emulators. However, these emulators must comply with specific rules, such as using in-app purchases for digital item downloads. Despite the potential revenue stream, Apple removed the iGBA app – which was free and ad-supported – without affecting its financial standing.
