Apple’s recent policy change allowing game emulators on the App Store has received a mixed response. While Delta, a popular emulation app, rapidly climbed the App Store charts, DolphinOS was sidelined due to Apple’s restrictions on just-in-time (JIT) compilation.
JIT puzzle
DolphiniOS detailed in a recent blog post that Apple’s reluctance to allow apps that use JIT is the main reason why the emulator has not reached the App Store. This technical limitation stems from the different CPU architecture between the GameCube/Wii (PowerPC-based) and modern Apple devices (ARM-based).
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What is JIT?
JIT, or Just-in-Time compilation, is a method used by Dolphin to translate PowerPC code from GameCube and Wii games into ARM code compatible with Apple’s devices. This translation enables the game to run smoothly on iPhones. Unfortunately, Apple’s iOS guidelines generally prohibit the use of JIT recompilers, with limited exceptions like Safari and some European web browsers, according to the report. 9to5mac,
Apple’s security concerns
Apple’s rejection of DolphiniOS’s JIT request likely centers on security concerns. Although the exact reasons are unknown, Apple’s cautious approach towards JIT, as evidenced by their restrictions on JavaScript JIT in alternative European web browsers, indicates potential security risks.
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Performance issues without JIT
While DolphiniOS can technically run using an “interpreter” instead of the JIT, there is a significant degradation in performance. Tests on the iPhone 15 Pro Max revealed that the gameplay was nearly unplayable, making this option impractical for App Store submissions due to potential user complaints and possible rejection by Apple’s App Review.
The future of DolphinOS on the App Store
Despite the challenges, the developers behind DolphinOS have expressed willingness to collaborate with the Dolphin Emulator Project to potentially release an official build on the App Store. However, this aspiration is dependent on Apple modifying its JIT restrictions.
While Apple’s policy change has opened the doors for some emulation apps, DolphiniOS continues to face hurdles due to technical hurdles. Unless Apple reconsiders its stance on JIT, it appears that DolphiniOS will remain absent from the App Store ecosystem.
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