Updated 14/4/24
The app has been removed now by apple.
Apple’s recent App Store policy change has opened the door for game emulators on iPhones and iPads, a move that was previously forbidden. The first emulators are now appearing, including iGBA, a free Game Boy emulator that allows users to download and play ROMs directly on their devices.
iGBA appears to be a hastily-made clone of the open-source GBA4iOS project. Its developer is clearly attempting to capitalize on the rule shift, embedding ads throughout the app (original GBA4iOS developer Riley Testut confirms he had no involvement in this version).
Despite its questionable origins, iGBA offers a full-featured emulation experience. Users can download Game Boy Advance and Color ROMs and play them directly through the app, complete with save states, customizable controls, and AirPlay support.
While Apple’s policy change hints at broader acceptance of emulators, there’s uncertainty about the limits. The initial wording suggested that emulated games would need to be part of the app itself, but iGBA’s approval implies users can load their own ROMs. This ambiguity could lead to a surge of emulator apps on the App Store.
