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An MS-DOS emulator is probably not the main desire of users of iOS devices. However, if you ever want to experience this classic OS on your iPhone, Apple won’t make things easy for you. Apparently, the policy that allows retro game emulators in the App Store does not contemplate operating system emulators.
For a few months now, Apple has allowed retro game emulators on the App Store. However, the measure mainly aims to bring retro gaming to the company’s mobile devices. For example, users can enjoy PS1 games through the Gamma emulator. You can also access classic Nintendo console games thanks to the Delta emulator.
Apple rejected an MS-DOS and a Windows emulator for iOS
That said, there are developers who have worked on emulators of MS-DOS, the classic operating system. Although technically, MS-DOS does not count as a classic console, running it allows you to enjoy games that were developed for it. However, this argument does not convince Apple, which is not allowing iDOS 3 (an MS-DOS emulator) in the iOS App Store.
According to the developer of iDOS 3, Apple spent up to two months evaluating their app, only to reject it in the end. The company adhered to Section 4.7 of its App Review Guidelines to do so. This section of the guidelines says that Apple will not approve MS-DOS emulators or Windows OS emulators. This not only affects iDOS 3 but also UTM SE or any other of the same nature.
Only game emulators are allowed
According to the iDOS 3 developer, Apple’s response said that “only emulators of retro game consoles are compatible per guideline 4.7.” On the other hand, the UTM SE developer received a “PC is not a console” response. So, although operating system emulators also allow you to run games developed for them, Apple does not consider them to qualify as retro gaming emulators. It seems that this potential “loophole” is closed for the moment.
Although Apple establishes these conditions, it remains to be seen if the EU says anything about them. The Cupertino giant has been constantly struggling with the DMA regulation. For instance, the company claims that the DMA caused a delay in the Apple Intelligence rollout in the EU. Meanwhile, OS emulators for iOS are available in AltStore.