Apple Finally Approves Retro System Emulator iDOS 3 for App Store After Initially Deeming It Non-Compliant

Previously rejected by Apple, the DOS operating system emulator iDOS 3 has now made its way onto the AppStore. Although Apple permits the release of retro game emulators, it had deemed this type of operating system emulator as non-compliant, leading to the refusal of another similar application, UTM SE, as well.

Chaoji Li, the developer behind iDOS 3, mentioned that in June, Apple had rejected the application, citing a violation of the AppStore Developer Guideline 4.7. This rule allows for retro game emulators to be listed on the app store but not PC emulators.

However, following the approval of UTM SE, iDOS 3 has now successfully landed on the AppStore, priced at $0.99. The app primarily offers virtualization for DOS-like operating systems.

iDOS 3 transforms your iPhone and iPad into DOS system emulators, equipped with modern game control features. This means you can play some classic DOS games in a virtualized DOS system. Beyond gaming, the app also allows for text processing, casual programming, and more.

Apple's Developer Guideline 4.7 has been updated to permit PC emulators, paving the way for the release of UTM SE and iDOS 3. More PC emulator applications are expected to hit the AppStore soon.

It's worth noting that due to Apple's prohibition of JIT engines, the performance of these virtualizations can be subpar. For instance, disabling the JIT engine in UTM SE may result in system installations and startups taking up to several minutes. iDOS 3 fares slightly better, but overall performance issues still exist.

Interested users can purchase iDOS 3 here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/idos-3/id1580768213