After a long and arduous journey, iDOS 3, an app allowing iPhone and iPad users to play classic MS-DOS games, has finally been approved by Apple. The app’s developer, Chaoji Li, has been working tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, facing numerous obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Li’s initial attempt to release iDOS 2 was met with resistance from Apple, citing their policy that apps must be “self-contained” and not launch “executable code.” This policy prevented users from enjoying the full functionality of iDOS, which relied on file-sharing access to run DOS games.
However, the tides have turned thanks to the implementation of new EU regulations, which have forced Apple to reconsider its stance on emulators. With the new regulations in place, Li resubmitted iDOS 3, a slightly modified version of iDOS 2, in April of this year. Despite initial rejections based on claims of plagiarism and a lack of console emulation, Li persevered and ultimately received approval.
The journey to iDOS 3’s approval has been challenging, mirroring the experience of another popular open-source PC emulator, UTM, which faced similar obstacles before ultimately releasing a slower version, UTM SE, on the App Store.
Now, iDOS 3 is available for purchase on iPhones and iPads for the price of $1. This development marks a significant victory for both Li and the emulation community, demonstrating the power of new regulations in influencing the tech giant’s policies. With iDOS 3, users can now delve into a nostalgic world of classic DOS games, enjoying the convenience of touch controls and an on-screen keyboard and trackpad.
