UTM SE – a retro PC game emulator, has made its debut on the App Store, becoming the first PC emulator for iOS to be featured on Apple’s marketplace. This development allows iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro users to enjoy classic PC games through the UTM SE application.
In order to utilize UTM SE, users will be required to either download a pre-built virtual machine from the options offered for free on the UTM website or create their own virtual machine from scratch. The app’s availability on the iOS and visionOS App Store, with plans for a future release on AltStore PAL, has been met with enthusiasm by the UTM team, who expressed gratitude towards the AltStore team and Apple for their cooperation.
Despite facing initial rejection from Apple, the UTM SE team persevered and successfully implemented a “JIT-less build” with the assistance of a fellow developer, ensuring compliance with Apple’s stringent regulations. This breakthrough not only led to the app’s acceptance on the App Store but also paved the way for its upcoming availability on AltStore PAL, making it accessible to users in the EU.
The announcement from the UTM team, acknowledging the support received from the AltStore team and Apple’s reconsideration of their policy, marks a significant milestone in bringing PC emulation to the iOS platform. With UTM SE now accessible to a wider audience, retro gaming enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing classic PC titles on their Apple devices.