After Initially Rejecting It, Apple Has Approved the First PC Emulator for iOS

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has approved UTM SE, a groundbreaking app that emulates a computer to run classic software and games on iOS devices. This approval comes just weeks after Apple initially rejected the app and prevented it from being notarized for third-party app stores in the European Union. Now, UTM SE is available for free on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.

From Rejection to Approval

UTM SE's journey to approval has been anything but straightforward. After being rejected by Apple in June, the developer initially decided not to pursue further attempts, citing that the app provided a "subpar experience." However, today, UTM expressed gratitude to the AltStore team for their support and credited another developer for their pivotal role in implementing QEMU TCTI, which enabled a JIT-less build of the app.

Features and Capabilities

UTM SE doesn’t include any virtual machines, but does help you find them. Screenshot: UTM SE

UTM SE stands out for its ability to emulate a variety of classic operating systems and run old-school games. However, like other emulators available on the App Store, UTM SE does not come with any pre-installed operating systems. Users are directed to UTM’s website, which offers comprehensive guides for emulating Windows XP through Windows 11, as well as pre-built virtual Linux machines. Mac OS 9.2.1 and DOS are also among the supported systems, as highlighted in a screenshot from the UTM SE App Store page.

App Store Description

Here’s the official App Store description for UTM SE:

UTM SE is a PC emulator that allows you to run classic software and old-school games.

• Supports both VGA mode for graphics and terminal mode for text-only operating systems

• Emulates x86, PPC, and RISC-V architectures

• Run pre-built machines or create your own configuration from scratch

• Built from QEMU, a powerful and widely used emulator

Emulating Classic Systems

UTM SE provides users with the tools to emulate a wide range of systems, making it possible to run software and games from different eras directly on their iOS devices. The app’s versatility is evident in its support for multiple architectures, including x86, PPC, and RISC-V. This makes UTM SE a valuable tool for enthusiasts of vintage computing and gaming.

Community and Collaboration

The approval of UTM SE is a testament to the power of community and collaboration in the tech world. The developer’s acknowledgment of the AltStore team and other contributors highlights the collaborative efforts that made this app a reality. Their combined work has resulted in an emulator that can bring the experience of classic computing to modern iOS devices.

Conclusion

The approval of UTM SE by Apple marks a significant milestone for mobile emulation. By allowing users to run classic software and games on their iPhones and iPads, UTM SE opens up a world of possibilities for nostalgic gamers and vintage computing enthusiasts. The app’s availability on the App Store ensures that a broader audience can access and enjoy this unique emulation experience.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates on innovative apps and developments in the tech world.