Apple Removes iGBA Game Emulator App from App Store Due to Copyright Infringement
Recently, Apple made headlines by revising its App Store guidelines to allow the existence of game emulator applications for the first time. However, the excitement was short-lived as one of the newly approved apps, iGBA, was swiftly removed from the App Store due to copyright infringement concerns.
Initially approved last Saturday, iGBA allowed users to import and play ROMs downloaded from the Internet. However, Apple soon discovered that the app was actually a copy of GBA4iOS, an open source project from developer Riley Testut. The app was found to be filled with ads, violating not only copyright laws but also the App Store’s spam policy.
Apple clarified that the reason for removing iGBA was not because it supported importing ROMs, but because it was a direct copy of another developer’s work. Despite this setback, Apple has expressed its willingness to allow game emulator applications on its platform, as long as developers ensure their compliance with all applicable laws.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for developers looking to enter the game emulator market on the App Store. It is essential to create original content and adhere to copyright laws to avoid facing similar consequences in the future.
Source: 9To5Mac