Why Dolphin Emulator Won’t Launch on Apple’s App Store

Game emulators have made their way to the iPhone App Store, and fans were thrilled to see options like Delta for classic games. However, one major emulator needs to be included: Dolphin, which lets you play GameCube and Wii games. Here’s what’s holding it back:

The JIT Compiling Roadblock

Dolphin relies on a process called JIT compiling. Think of JIT as a fast translator that changes the game’s code into a language your iPhone can understand quickly. Without it, Dolphin can’t deliver a smooth gaming experience.

Apple’s Security Rules

Apple’s strict security policies don’t allow apps like Dolphin to use JIT compiling. Apple sees this as a potential risk to device safety, and for now, they’re sticking to that rule.

The Sluggish Workaround

Technically, Dolphin could run without JIT using something called an interpreter, but it’s much slower—like trying to play your favorite game in slow motion. The developers don’t want to compromise quality for speed.

What’s Next for Dolphin on iOS?

As of now, Dolphin isn’t coming to the App Store. Unless Apple adjusts its rules, JIT compiling won’t happen on iPhones. But there’s still hope for the future. In the meantime, emulators like Delta work great for iOS users.

While Dolphin remains off the table, what’s your go-to emulator for gaming on the iPhone? Are there other retro games you’d love to see come to iOS?