Since Apple changed its policy in April, a few retro console emulators have popped up on iOS. An emulator for Windows PC makes that list, too—UTM SE. The Verge spotted this significant addition, supporting iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro headsets.
This app can run several Windows versions, from Windows XP and later. It also supports several equity versions of Linux and macOS. This is quite surprising, considering that Apple earlier rejected the app in June. The reason back then, according to Apple, was that PCs failed to meet Apple’s criteria for a “retro game console”.
It is not certain why UTM SE was approved now. Maybe the policies changed at Apple, or something changed on the app side. If anything, the posts on social media by the UTM SE team campaign suggest that Apple has changed its heart, and the emulator experience is much better now.
UTM SE does not come with any operating systems. Users have to find their computers and install them. In this way, HBD PAC avoids any legal liability for the emulators and Apple, and often pirates will sell pirated software, which is illegal.
Emulators were always kept out of the iOS App Store due to legal concerns, but regulatory pressure forced Apple’s hand to reduce gatekeeping. That now means that third-party app stores are allowed within the EU region, like AltStore, which is also home to UTM SE. UTM SE is free to install with no in-app purchases. This does a lot to offer real user choice on iOS devices.
