Despite EU rules: Apple won't let Macintosh 128K emulator on iPhone
Mini vMac emulates classic Mac systems on iOS. Apple has allegedly denied the app notarization, which is why it cannot appear in EU app stores.
(Image: Mac & i)
Apple is apparently continuing to use its app review process to deny unwanted apps access to the iPhone. The company has rejected the notarization of the "Mini vMac" emulator, which is why it cannot appear in the alternative EU marketplace AltStore PAL, as the developer has since announced. Mini vMac emulates classic Macs from the 1980s – Macintosh 128K, Macintosh Plus and Macintosh II in iOS.
Apple cites breach of license
In the rejection letter published by the developer, Apple cites a license violation as the reason: The emulator running on iPhone and iPad uses the "Mac operating system software on devices that are not Apple-branded computers" – and therefore violates the license agreement.
The use of the trademarks "Mac" and "Macintosh" in the app name also violates Apple's guidelines on the use of brand names, the company complains. The emulator does not contain the necessary ROMs for the operating systems; users have to bring these themselves.
Due to new EU regulations, Apple has had to leave alternative app stores on iPhones and now also iPads since March. The company also had to open up its operating systems for sideloading (the direct download of an app from the provider's website). However, there are still high hurdles and Apple continues to review all iOS and iPadOS apps. Distribution outside the App Store is subject to security and data protection checks, but not content checks. If Apple refuses notarization, an app cannot be opened in iOS.
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Emulators are a thorn in Apple's side
Apple had already refused to notarize a popular virtualizer for iOS in June, but later approved it after all, possibly under pressure from the EU, as was speculated at the time. The regulators are currently examining whether Apple is complying with the complex and far-reaching rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). While Apple considers itself to be compliant, Brussels assumes that competition law is being violated, which is why several investigations are already underway against Apple.
Even if"Mini vMac for iOS" cannot be easily distributed via an alternative app store, the app can still be installed, and interested users must sign it themselves with an Apple account. However, this sideloading procedure has several Apple restrictions that make it particularly inconvenient.
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