Apple apparently continues to use its app review process to prevent unwanted apps from reaching the iPhone. The company has refused to notarize the “Mini VMac” emulator, which is why it cannot appear in the alternative EU marketplace AltStore PAL, as announced by the developer. Mini vMac emulates the classic Macs of the 80s – Macintosh 128K, Macintosh Plus and Macintosh II in iOS.
Advertisement
Apple claims license violation
By Rejection letter published by developer Apple cites license violations as justification: the emulator running on the iPhone and iPad “uses the Mac operating system software on devices that are not Apple-branded computers” – and therefore violates the license agreement.
The company complains that the use of the trademarks “Mac” and “Macintosh” in the app name also violates Apple’s guidelines regarding the use of brand names. The emulator does not contain the required ROMs for the operating system, users must bring their own.
iPhone 17: Is Apple removing SIM cards in Germany too?Due to new EU rules, Apple has had to allow alternative app stores on the iPhone and now the iPad since March. The group also had to open its operating system to sideloading (direct download of an app from the provider’s website). However, there are still major hurdles and Apple is still reviewing all iOS and iPadOS apps. When selling outside the App Store, inspections are carried out with respect to security and data protection, but not in terms of content. If Apple refuses to notarize, an app cannot be opened in iOS.
Emulators are a thorn in the side of Apple
Apple had already refused to notarize a popular virtualizer for iOS in June, but later approved it – possibly due to EU pressure, as was speculated at the time. Regulators are currently investigating whether Apple is complying with the complex and far-reaching rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). While Apple sees itself as compliant, Brussels believes that competition law is being violated, which is why there are already several investigations underway against Apple.
Even if “Mini VMac for iOS” If simple distribution through an alternative app store is not possible, the app can still be installed, with interested users simply signing in with an Apple account; However, Apple has several restrictions with this sideloading process that make it particularly inconvenient.
(lb)
Huawei’s new smartphone series “Mate 70” without Android with an as-yet-unknown chip
