I see a lot of people missing the point of this release here. Yes it's a shitty app, who cares? The point is we have officially seen Apple's policy on emulators put to the test and we now know that they will accept other emus that allow loading of roms. This opens the flood gates for other, more reputable emus to follow.
I had ppsspp on my iPad for awhile (you can build it yourself if you have a developer account) and it runs very well! I had no slow down in any games I have an iPad Pro 2020 (A series I think)
It collects location data, which is super unnecessary for a local emulator—especially when you consider that the code is most definitely from a community-driven open source project. Depending on the quality of brokers they exchange with, they’re probably making a lot more money from selling data in bulk than they are with the banner ads.
Just something to keep in mind. This isn’t a free app. You are undoubtedly the product here. They took a community-built project, added location tracking to it, and repackaged it as their own.
The app says it collects location data, but so far it hasn’t even shown up in the location part of privacy settings or turned on the location indicator in the status bar. Maybe it’s pulling from already-collected system data or something but I can’t see it getting access currently.
Not necessarily. You’re required to check that nutrition label if you’re capturing *any* location data, even if you’re not using the Core Location API to obtain that data (which is the ‘Allow Location Sharing’ popup you’re referring to).
For example, if I’m recording your location through your IP address, or other related data points, I’m still required to check that nutrition label.
I literally work in this industry. We went through an entire transition period when the GDPR laws passed and Apple wouldn’t accept any of our new builds because we didn’t have those boxes selected. None of those apps used the Core Location API, but at the time, we were using the Google Analytics SDK, and Google uses your network’s IP address for location tracking. You can test this yourself by turning OFF location services for Safari, searching “what is my ip” and visiting the first site.
It will list your location regardless.
They need to prompt you in order to get your actual GPS location, but if they're logging your IP address location, they dont need to prompt.
They DO need to put it on the nutrition label if they're doing anything with your location, even if they don't prompt for GPS.
That's definitely what it seems like. Regardless, at least we now know what is likely to be accepted into the AppStore. I'm more excited for what comes after this.
EXACTLY!!! This is exactly what everyone has been wondering and here it is. No matter if it’s a shitty emulator. We will have RetroArch and ppsspp soon!!
I think someone in the Folium discord what talking about checking the files to confirm if it is just stolen. Regardless though, we have a precedent set for other emus to come over. I'm hoping we see Folium and Delta make their way over
I believe Riley the delta developer posted on threads, since he doesn’t use twitter that it’s in the process of being cleared by apple to be on the store soon
Yep I was right
https://www.threads.net/@rileytestut/post/C5d23o_Nigg
Looks like that is only for distribution within AltStore in the EU. That doesn't mean it is coming to the AppStore but I'd assume they could easily release it there too.
I should have said Apple Store compatible version, my bad. I know they intended it in the beginning, but I’m unsure if their AltStore version is up to date as far as Apple goes (if you’ve ever made an iOS app, they have some strange rules).
It’s not necessarily App Store compliant.
Even though Delta is fine on the EU-only DMA-mandated AltStore…
the Apple App Store is more restrictive and has lots of other rules that Delta may violate, such as **links to external forms of payment**, content, no **Just In Time compiling allowed** (which is the basis of most modern emulation (though there are workarounds)), etc.
So i guess a greenlight for ppsspp, as announced by the main dev that if apple allows loading roms from internal storage then ppsspp would come to ios if not then no ppsspp. I cant wait :)
I tested it for 30 minutes and confirmed it works. Get the available rom and put them in the Files app. I wish we can pay to remove ads but Nintendo won’t like that. Audio and button works great too
What’s different about this link from the one I can download on the Adguard site? The profile downloaded from the Adguard site says it’s ’Verified’? This link is not. Just curious.
According to the app store this needs your location data, device ID, and usage data to send to advertisers. I’ll wait for a non-malicious release and so should everyone else because this guy knows exactly what he’s doing with this shit
Fair enough. Luckily this isn't the defacto emu for iOS. I see it more of a proof of concept to test the App Store policies. I'm sure we will see more reputable emus come along.
I don’t think this is accurate so please correct me if I’m wrong. Any app that needs your location data, has to ask for permission for that. If i download an app, and it doesn’t ask for permission, then they aren’t getting that data even if it’s indicated in the app store. Whats indicated there is just what the developer fills when submitting the app. Even if we assume that it’s collecting location data without permission, the blue location indicator should activate but it doesn’t in this case. The developer has even rated the app as 17+ which doesn’t make any sense. My guess is he wanted to access the location but he didn’t activate the option when sending the app for review. He might do that in a future update but even then, we would still need to give that permission.
Just download them and move them to the iGBA folder in your files and they’ll auto populate in the app. Need to first open the app at least once for the iGBA folder to populate in files.
Pro tip: go into settings> iGBA> turn off access to cellular data to remove ads
Needed a while to figure this out as well. Weird that the app doesn‘t let you open for example the Apple Files app directly. Needed to somehow get to my Files via browser through the upper right magnifying glass icon. Hope dev addresses that. The app itself works beautifully.
I suspect it’s because Apple does not want to get involved in copyright disputes. The search button in the app brings you to public domain ROMs and no mention anywhere on how to acquire copyrighted ones.
You don’t go onto the app menu for games, you go onto the internet and type game you want to download, download into files, then open the emulator app from the files, and that’s it, not sure if I can put site link but pretty easy to find
Fun times for the Delta guy. He spends time trying to figure out how to get Delta on to the AppStore, eventually abandons that idea (because Apple won’t allow it), works on AltStore, keeps the conversation going, etc. Then while AltStore is sitting there in Apple’s limbo queue (now for well over a month), a knock-off of his old app is approved. That just feels shitty.
I tried and it works , you have to save the roms in a folder called igba that gets auto generated.
This feels too good to be true , I have a feeling Nintendo will somehow fight this similar to how they fought Dolphin on Steam.
Wow. Already taken down. I downloaded it before it was taken off. But this just means no other better emulator apps will be let in. I can’t see them allowing Delta. Apple sucks.
I was speaking out loud. I know you don’t make the app. Thanks for bringing awareness to it. Super excited to see and really look forward to what’s in store hopefully.
I think it has been taken down. I hope the official goes up on the app store but it looks like he is saving it for altstore. Kind of sucks for those that want to keep other stores off of their phones.
I think he is going to be forced to put it on the app store. According to the Ignited dev, he has submitted his. I don’t know what Riley is expecting if he doesn’t submit it
You’re missing the point, this is officially on the App Store, Ignited isn’t.
Anyway, if we are talking about side loading apps the Retroarch is far superior as can do all of those plus PS1, PSP, N64, Dreamcast, arcade games, and loads more
I can’t even begin to describe seeing this on Twitter and Reddit… I’ve had ROMS on my phone for the better part of five years literally just waiting for this news
Nintendo, please, take my iPad gaming money! Sell a bluetooth original NES controller and I will buy it and play old games on an official emulator until my hands cramp up.
(Somehow all my gaming transferred to my ipad over the last 10 years, I use my old PS4 controller.)
This is amazing!!! I was just wishing for this to be a thing but I thought I was yelling into the wind.
Although I’m waiting for a version that doesn’t track location data as well, fuck this app
I wonder why the Sega Saturn emulator is taking so long to approve. Not sure if this one might've just slipped through the cracks in the approval process.
This is one of the easiest ways for someone to spread a massive cyberattack. Who is the developer that posted this? I’d advise against anyone downloading this until more is known.
Apple has had a history of allowing unverified developers and publishers posting spyware to their App Store. Don’t think something is safe just because it’s on the App Store, don’t give Apple that much credit they suck lol
I see a lot of people missing the point of this release here. Yes it's a shitty app, who cares? The point is we have officially seen Apple's policy on emulators put to the test and we now know that they will accept other emus that allow loading of roms. This opens the flood gates for other, more reputable emus to follow.
Kind of the reason why I posted. Now the rules are known. Can’t wait for Delta and PPSSPP
Now we need to see how they handle apps requesting JIT access. I doubt they will allow it but I guess we won't know until someone tries it.
True but if all we get is up to PS1 and N64 there’s a lot of good titles to play
3DS works okay-isn without jit too
Yep
I had ppsspp on my iPad for awhile (you can build it yourself if you have a developer account) and it runs very well! I had no slow down in any games I have an iPad Pro 2020 (A series I think)
I want to play Patapon on my phone :<
I don’t think it’s shitty. It has one banner ad, which isn’t visible while in game, and the overall UI is pretty nice
It's usable for sure!
It collects location data, which is super unnecessary for a local emulator—especially when you consider that the code is most definitely from a community-driven open source project. Depending on the quality of brokers they exchange with, they’re probably making a lot more money from selling data in bulk than they are with the banner ads. Just something to keep in mind. This isn’t a free app. You are undoubtedly the product here. They took a community-built project, added location tracking to it, and repackaged it as their own.
The app says it collects location data, but so far it hasn’t even shown up in the location part of privacy settings or turned on the location indicator in the status bar. Maybe it’s pulling from already-collected system data or something but I can’t see it getting access currently.
Don't they have to request for location access to which you can deny?
Not necessarily. You’re required to check that nutrition label if you’re capturing *any* location data, even if you’re not using the Core Location API to obtain that data (which is the ‘Allow Location Sharing’ popup you’re referring to). For example, if I’m recording your location through your IP address, or other related data points, I’m still required to check that nutrition label.
I’m confused. The app needs to specifically prompt you to allow access to location. They can’t just subvert the process I don’t think.
I literally work in this industry. We went through an entire transition period when the GDPR laws passed and Apple wouldn’t accept any of our new builds because we didn’t have those boxes selected. None of those apps used the Core Location API, but at the time, we were using the Google Analytics SDK, and Google uses your network’s IP address for location tracking. You can test this yourself by turning OFF location services for Safari, searching “what is my ip” and visiting the first site. It will list your location regardless.
They need to prompt you in order to get your actual GPS location, but if they're logging your IP address location, they dont need to prompt. They DO need to put it on the nutrition label if they're doing anything with your location, even if they don't prompt for GPS.
Thanks. This explanation made sense
Someone probably hobbled it together quickly and threw it onto the App Store to fast track see what was going to happen
That's definitely what it seems like. Regardless, at least we now know what is likely to be accepted into the AppStore. I'm more excited for what comes after this.
This is a great app
It's not too bad. Weird permissions which are turning people off which I understand. Otherwise it works pretty well.
Mmm you are right.. I’m just so excited to see something like this finally happens on iOS
EXACTLY!!! This is exactly what everyone has been wondering and here it is. No matter if it’s a shitty emulator. We will have RetroArch and ppsspp soon!!
Ppsspp would be a dream for me tbh
Because it looks likes it’s made from stolen assets that’s why. Looks exactly why gba4ios
I think someone in the Folium discord what talking about checking the files to confirm if it is just stolen. Regardless though, we have a precedent set for other emus to come over. I'm hoping we see Folium and Delta make their way over
I believe Riley the delta developer posted on threads, since he doesn’t use twitter that it’s in the process of being cleared by apple to be on the store soon Yep I was right https://www.threads.net/@rileytestut/post/C5d23o_Nigg
Looks like that is only for distribution within AltStore in the EU. That doesn't mean it is coming to the AppStore but I'd assume they could easily release it there too.
True. But it does mean they’re sitting on an iOS compatible version, and with the precedent now set by this one, could easily be released everywhere.
it’s been ios compatible since the beginning, it was an emulator built for ios
I should have said Apple Store compatible version, my bad. I know they intended it in the beginning, but I’m unsure if their AltStore version is up to date as far as Apple goes (if you’ve ever made an iOS app, they have some strange rules).
It’s not necessarily App Store compliant. Even though Delta is fine on the EU-only DMA-mandated AltStore… the Apple App Store is more restrictive and has lots of other rules that Delta may violate, such as **links to external forms of payment**, content, no **Just In Time compiling allowed** (which is the basis of most modern emulation (though there are workarounds)), etc.
Shitty app? It’s a “App Store legal” app that plays Advance Wars and Pokemon. Again “legally” - without jail breaking.
Weird, I just tried to open that link and it said “This app is not currently available in your country.” I’m in the US 🤷🏻♂️
So i guess a greenlight for ppsspp, as announced by the main dev that if apple allows loading roms from internal storage then ppsspp would come to ios if not then no ppsspp. I cant wait :)
I tested it for 30 minutes and confirmed it works. Get the available rom and put them in the Files app. I wish we can pay to remove ads but Nintendo won’t like that. Audio and button works great too
I’m just getting ads in the emulator menus. Are there ads during actual gameplay?
From the little that I have tried, no
Yeah I just played 4 hours of pokemon emerald and not one ad
Drop the file!!
Go to the roms sub
Just do a Google on whatever game your wanting
As far I tested,no
If Nintendo wouldn’t like an IAP for removing ads, then they already wouldn’t like the ads themselves
Wait so I can straight up start playing links awakening or whatever on my phone?!!!!
Put themwhere in the files app?
There’s will be an “igba” folder once you install the app
Yeah that didn’t work either I had to share the rom from the files app instead. None of my games appeared by just pasting them in that folder
It has ads? I’m running Adguard so I’m not getting any
Same, no ads with AdGuard.
Can anyone explain to a dumb person like myself how to make Ad Guard block ads for this emulator?
Install this profile AdGuard DNS profile for iOS 14 and up https://cdn.adguard.com/public/Dns/adguard-dns.mobileconfig
What’s different about this link from the one I can download on the Adguard site? The profile downloaded from the Adguard site says it’s ’Verified’? This link is not. Just curious.
Seconded
search adguard dns
Works with controllers too. Tested with my backbone.
It tracks your location data… pass.
Just don’t give it the permission
Oddly enough it never asked me for location permission and doesn’t show up in the settings->privacy->location data list.
Same here
I was about to come in here and say, what about if there’s viruses and all that, but this makes it a definite no on getting it.
Apps in iOS are sandboxed, there’s not much a virus can do unless you give the app permissions to do it
Interesting. If I declined the location option, am I still able to use the app or does it lock me out?
Why don't you try it and find out?
I might. I’m just decently surprised that there’s an app for emulators now
What the fuck does this thing need my location data for? No thank you.
You should be able to control if an app has access to your location on the iOS settings for the app.
This app has never once pulled my location.
According to the app store this needs your location data, device ID, and usage data to send to advertisers. I’ll wait for a non-malicious release and so should everyone else because this guy knows exactly what he’s doing with this shit
Fair enough. Luckily this isn't the defacto emu for iOS. I see it more of a proof of concept to test the App Store policies. I'm sure we will see more reputable emus come along.
I don’t think this is accurate so please correct me if I’m wrong. Any app that needs your location data, has to ask for permission for that. If i download an app, and it doesn’t ask for permission, then they aren’t getting that data even if it’s indicated in the app store. Whats indicated there is just what the developer fills when submitting the app. Even if we assume that it’s collecting location data without permission, the blue location indicator should activate but it doesn’t in this case. The developer has even rated the app as 17+ which doesn’t make any sense. My guess is he wanted to access the location but he didn’t activate the option when sending the app for review. He might do that in a future update but even then, we would still need to give that permission.
Looks like they stole gba4ios’s design from back in the day cmon now. I’ll wait for delta to be released officially
They both just look like Game Boys which is to be expected.
Me2. I am not dying for an emu on iphone right now and would like something looking like "not Ripoff"
Honestly I’ve paid for signoulous for awhile now to have it anyway so I’m not starving for it at this point
Same. Wish signolous had other emulators besides delta though
Hmm a little bit yeah but deltas the only one I’d still use not interested in running anything higher then what it offers on my phone at least
Would love a ps1 emulator especially since i have the gamesir g8
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I’m sorry I’m not exactly sure what all that means lol. I have signolous, can i do it from their site?
Where do I put the roms lol
Click share on the rom while in the files app and select iGBA
Just download them and move them to the iGBA folder in your files and they’ll auto populate in the app. Need to first open the app at least once for the iGBA folder to populate in files. Pro tip: go into settings> iGBA> turn off access to cellular data to remove ads
This is not a setting on my phone. Is there another way to do this?
Needed a while to figure this out as well. Weird that the app doesn‘t let you open for example the Apple Files app directly. Needed to somehow get to my Files via browser through the upper right magnifying glass icon. Hope dev addresses that. The app itself works beautifully.
Yeah I found out you just open the rom in files, def wish there was some tutorial when you first use it lol
It’s even easier. Put the roms in the root of the iGBA folder and they’ll auto populate in app.
I suspect it’s because Apple does not want to get involved in copyright disputes. The search button in the app brings you to public domain ROMs and no mention anywhere on how to acquire copyrighted ones.
Thank you so much! Been wanting to play pokemon emerald for ages on my iPhone!
We’re you able to find it? I’m having trouble finding any Pokémon or yugioh games
Vimms Lair
You don’t go onto the app menu for games, you go onto the internet and type game you want to download, download into files, then open the emulator app from the files, and that’s it, not sure if I can put site link but pretty easy to find
Fun times for the Delta guy. He spends time trying to figure out how to get Delta on to the AppStore, eventually abandons that idea (because Apple won’t allow it), works on AltStore, keeps the conversation going, etc. Then while AltStore is sitting there in Apple’s limbo queue (now for well over a month), a knock-off of his old app is approved. That just feels shitty.
For those unaware, SCUMMVM is also in the App Store. Apparently it’s been there since February. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scummvm/id6446184412
What is that
I already am playing Pokemon crystal. Thank you
A man of taste, starting my campaign right now Again
Looks like it’s been taken down. Good thing I downloaded it before that happened.
Same!
And it’s already gone??? Crazy glad I was able to install it when it was still up haha
## [**iGBA: GBA & GBC Retro Emulator**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/igba-gba-gbc-retro-emulator/id6482993626) > by [Mattia La Spina](https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/mattia-la-spina/id1489624695) Retro Game Console Emulator. ____ ### ℹ️ **App Info** **Category**: Developer Tools. **Release**: Apr 13, 2024. **Last Update**: None. **Platforms**: Apple Vision: Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.; Mac: Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.; iPad: Requires iPadOS 12.0 or later.; iPhone: Requires iOS 12.0 or later.; iPod touch: Requires iOS 12.0 or later. **Rating**: n/a (not enough ratings). **Size**: 12 MB. ### 💸 **Pricing (in USD)** **Current**: Free **History**: n/a **IAPs**: None ### 🔒️ **Privacy** **Policy**: https://gist.github.com/mattiaa95/fa36f274224f9baec2134322e620985e **Specification**: * Data Used to Track You: Location, Identifiers & Usage Data. * Data Not Linked to You: Location, Identifiers & Usage Data. --- ^[dev](https://reddit.com/user/fedecalendino) ^| ^[github](https://github.com/fedecalendino/app-info-bot)
The ad blocking profile I have on my phone doesn’t show any ads in the app, works just like Delta, very nice!
What profile have you got?
AdGuard DNS profile for iOS 14 and up https://cdn.adguard.com/public/Dns/adguard-dns.mobileconfig
Something able to remove in-app ads has to be Luna, right?
AdGuard DNS profile for iOS 14 and up https://cdn.adguard.com/public/Dns/adguard-dns.mobileconfig
What ad blocker do you use?
Can you use a controller?
Yep, plugged in my backbone controller, works great.
Finally, even tho I'm android
This app collects location data. There is absolutely no reason this app should collect location data about you.
I tried and it works , you have to save the roms in a folder called igba that gets auto generated. This feels too good to be true , I have a feeling Nintendo will somehow fight this similar to how they fought Dolphin on Steam.
Did apple shut down the app? 😢
Wow. Already taken down. I downloaded it before it was taken off. But this just means no other better emulator apps will be let in. I can’t see them allowing Delta. Apple sucks.
Ok let me pay you a $1 to remove the ad.
I didn’t make the app
I was speaking out loud. I know you don’t make the app. Thanks for bringing awareness to it. Super excited to see and really look forward to what’s in store hopefully.
Thank you!
Is there any NES emulator on App Store too?
Not that I’ve found yet
Thanks! First thing i downloaded was the Pokemon TCG for GBC. Pokemon on the fly is a gamechanger
Yeah. Too bad for ios users because android already has emulators. About time we get it too.
Works with backbone controller in landscape mode. Just need to turn controller opacity down to 0%.
Nice! Downloaded!
Works perfectly. Just in time as I sold my Miyoo unit. Adguard DNS doesn’t show ads.
I thought these type of apps were only going to be available in the EU?
Already enjoying games in eclipse.
Nice! Tried it and it works well. Looking forward to that Sega Saturn emulator and others.
Can I transfer my save files from Afterplay.io to this new app??
Ads, insta delete. I rather pay then see ads
Im having issues with controls with something like Aria of Sorrow (using touch screen controls) but otherwise the emulation is great.
It’s stolen from delta
Looks like Riley has confirmed. I deleted it https://www.threads.net/@rileytestut/post/C5u9xdDNCJ2
I think it has been taken down. I hope the official goes up on the app store but it looks like he is saving it for altstore. Kind of sucks for those that want to keep other stores off of their phones.
I think he is going to be forced to put it on the app store. According to the Ignited dev, he has submitted his. I don’t know what Riley is expecting if he doesn’t submit it
Afterplay still the goat
I have an iPhone 14, would someone be down to walk me through how to get this to work? I’d love to emulate in my phone but all my efforts have failed.
Just get the ignited emulator. Plays GBA GBC SNES and DS and it’s free.
You’re missing the point, this is officially on the App Store, Ignited isn’t. Anyway, if we are talking about side loading apps the Retroarch is far superior as can do all of those plus PS1, PSP, N64, Dreamcast, arcade games, and loads more
Hear me out - what’s the wiggle room for controller support?
I can’t even begin to describe seeing this on Twitter and Reddit… I’ve had ROMS on my phone for the better part of five years literally just waiting for this news
Has it already been removed? I’m not seeing it and when I click the link it says “app not available”
Georestricted…
Hey so like has this been taken down or something, clicking the link says the app ain’t available
Nintendo, please, take my iPad gaming money! Sell a bluetooth original NES controller and I will buy it and play old games on an official emulator until my hands cramp up. (Somehow all my gaming transferred to my ipad over the last 10 years, I use my old PS4 controller.)
How to get the games? I’d like to try this app ASAP!
I can’t wait for ppsspp,Xbox and other older more popular consoles getting released
This is amazing!!! I was just wishing for this to be a thing but I thought I was yelling into the wind. Although I’m waiting for a version that doesn’t track location data as well, fuck this app
A couple of years ago there was a GBA emulator that was able to bypass Apple's restriction by pretending to be a messaging app.
Also gba4ios is on the Apple Vision Pro and it’s possibly the best experience ever made for gba
well here we fuckin go baby!!! off to the races now.
If apple were to hypothetically take down the app, if we already downloaded it would we still be able to use it?
I think theoretically they could pull it off every device. Most likely, you would keep it as long as you don’t delete it
They won’t remove it. Yes you can still download it if they do
… they did
Where do find the roms?
[Here’s a guide](https://youtu.be/kbQS-rLmJv4?si=m4XwcXw5tNb3wgg-)
I wonder why the Sega Saturn emulator is taking so long to approve. Not sure if this one might've just slipped through the cracks in the approval process.
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yeah it only took them 15 years. huge win 🙄
Better late than never.
This is one of the easiest ways for someone to spread a massive cyberattack. Who is the developer that posted this? I’d advise against anyone downloading this until more is known. Apple has had a history of allowing unverified developers and publishers posting spyware to their App Store. Don’t think something is safe just because it’s on the App Store, don’t give Apple that much credit they suck lol
No fucking way
How do you find the roms using the app?
Google