UTM: Apple does not allow virtualizers to access the iPhone properly
The QEMU-based UTM virtualizes other operating systems in iOS. Apple does not allow the app in the App Store or in alternative EU marketplaces.
(Image: Screenshot UTM-Website)
Emulators yes, virtualization no: Apple has denied the UTM app approval for the App Store and apparently does not want to let it into alternative marketplaces in the EU either. After a review lasting almost two months, Apple has rejected the version of the QEMU-based virtualization software called "UTM SE", as the developers have now announced.
A board responsible for app rejections at the company ultimately decided after an appeal process that a "PC is not a console". The new exception rule 4.7 in Apple's approval guidelines, which allows emulators of old games consoles, therefore does not apply to UTM.
No virtualization of PC operating systems on the iPhone
In contrast to the recently permitted emulators of retro gaming consoles, UTM is designed for the virtualization of other PC operating systems such as Windows and Linux and is therefore apparently not permitted on iPhones and iPads. The developers also note that the argument that old Windows and DOS games can of course also be played with it does not count.
UTM is not only blocked from entering the App Store, but Apple is apparently also preventing distribution via the first app marketplaces available in the EU, such as AltStore. The company has refused to notarize the virtualizer, the developers write. Only apps that have been checked and notarized by Apple can be downloaded from the official alternative app stores.
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Apple's JIT blockade slows down emulators
The UTM developers do not intend to fight Apple's decision any longer because it is not worth the effort: UTM SE – the "SE" stands for "Slow Edition" – is ultimately "suboptimal" anyway because Apple prevents the essential use of just-in-time compilation (JIT) and thus limits performance. This is why game emulators from newer consoles are currently not really executable on iOS.
In addition to iOS, UTM is also available for macOS, where the virtualization tool is also available in Apple's App Store. So far, UTM can only be brought to iPhone and iPad via various sideloading methods – or requires the devices to be jailbroken.
(lbe)
