Earlier this month, Apple updated its Store guidelines that explicitly allows retro console game emulator apps on the App Store.
Following this change, the Delta emulator is now officially available on the Apple App Store.
For iPhone and iPad users in the European Union (EU), the Delta emulator is now available for free on a new open-source, Apple-approved third-party app marketplace — AltStore PAL in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In the United States and many other countries, users should be able to find it in Apple’s official store.
Riley Testut, the creator of AltStore PAL has launched the app marketplace with two apps developed by him. They are Delta, an emulator for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64, GameBoy, GameBoy Colour and Advance, and Nintendo DS games; and Clip, a clipboard manager for iOS that runs in the background and saves clips for future use.
In an email to The Verge, Delta developer Testut said that the app is identical to the version making its debut on AltStore PAL.
The app features on-screen buttons that change their layout and appearance according to the emulated system so as to ensure a user-friendly experience.
Further, it supports third-party Bluetooth controllers like Xbox One Series S or PS5 with customizable layouts and extra buttons for quick save states and fast-forwarding through cutscenes, cheat codes, backups, and data syncing between devices using Google Drive or Dropbox.
Additionally, it also supports a “hold” button for games and Haptic Touch, auto-fetching box art for games, and local multiplayer for up to four players for the NES, SNES, and N64, as well as AirPlay streaming.
AltStore PAL costs €1.50 (plus tax) per year for access to the app store. These charges cover Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF) for app installation and payment processing. While Delta is free, downloading Clip requires a monthly Patreon fee of €1 or more.
Delta does not collect information or include ads. Those in the EU can download the emulator by clicking here.
Those outside the EU can visit the App Store and download Delta for free. To learn more about Delta, you can also check out the online user guide.
