Actually it allows emulators on the standard Apple AppStore (after review). Ignited is working of submitting.
Edit: source right from Apple’s website. This is the review guidelines for all apps on the AppStore, not just Europe. My guess is that they decided to include the emulators to keep control and retain customers in their store instead of them going elsewhere in EU. And they had to make it the same rule all over to keep it consistent.
Installing AltStore on your US-based iPad or iPhone is pretty straightforward, as simple as sideloading can get in 2024, tbh. You will need a PC or Mac to do it, however.
I support iOS for work and stay on Android and emulation was definitely one of the reasons, I hope to see more iOS emulation work done with this decision
I switched to SideStore and Ignited. It’s basically the same things but SideStore can refresh from the phone (no computer, just WiFi) and ignited has more options available and more consoles available.