Apple permits "super apps" to host HTML5-based mini-games or mini apps, cloud game-streaming catalogs, chatbots, and retro game emulators — but each mini-experience still has to follow the guidelines individually, be reviewable, and, for emulators, only load legally-sourced game software.
A common cause is an emulator app that ships with or links to ROM files the developer doesn't have distribution rights to, rather than only supporting user-supplied legal content.
"Your app functions as a game emulator that facilitates the distribution of games without appropriate rights, per guideline 4.7."
Guideline 4.7 permits certain app types that host other experiences, including HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming game catalogues, chatbots and retro game emulators. Each mini experience must still follow the guidelines and be reviewable, and emulators must only load software the user is legally entitled to use. The rule opened some categories while keeping the usual standards in place.
Platforms that host many small experiences, and apps that stream or emulate software, do not fit neatly into the ordinary one-app, one-product model. Apple created 4.7 to allow them while making sure that content inside them stays accountable. The developer of the host app is responsible for what runs in it, and legal sourcing of games or software matters because emulators have often been associated with infringement.
Within the conditions of this guideline, including legal sourcing of software.
Yes, when they comply with the guidelines and can be reviewed.
Yes. Their output is subject to the content and safety guidelines.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current App Store Review Guidelines for the exact wording.