The Provenance multi-emulator app has been available on jailbroken iPhones and could soon launch in the App Store (if Apple approves it).
Apple now allows retro gaming emulators on the App Store, and already you can download the free Delta emulator to play Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 and Nintendo DS games on iPhone.
And now Provenance, a multi-emulator frontend, confirmed to iMore that the team is working on an App Store version that will be submitted to Apple once finished.
Provenance has been available on jailbroken iPhones
No timeframe was provided for the launch. Provenance for jailbroken devices supports the Top Shelf feature on Apple TV. And on iPhone, the app supports haptic feedback, Spotlight searching, 3D Touch shortcuts, and other features.
Provenance includes a built-in ROM browser that supports rich metadata and includes an integrated viewer for case and manual artwork. It also supports multi-disc CD-ROM games, even those requiring in-game disc swapping.
A version of Provenance for jailbroken devices is free on AltStore (now available in the EU as the alternative app marketplace AltStore PAL).
But will Apple allow Provenance into the App Store?
It’s unclear how Apple will react to the submission. Of course, the company is within its rights to reject the app if it doesn’t meet its strict guidelines.
Notably, Apple says developers of retro gaming emulators are wholly responsible for any legal issues if their apps direct users to download pirated ROMs.
From the App Review Guidelines:
Retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games. You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more guidelines will lead to the rejection of your app.
If approved, Provenance will let all iPhone owners play classic titles for the original PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, SEGA Genesis, Atari 2600, and other retro consoles.