Delta’s latest update lets iPad users emulate multiple games at once

The Delta iOS app has released a new update that introduces the retro gaming emulator’s redesigned logo, alongside native iPad support that allows users to play multiple games simultaneously. Users in the EU can download the update immediately via AltStore PAL, but everyone else will have to wait for App Store approval of Delta 1.6 — Apple rejected the current version according to a screenshot shared by Delta developer Riley Testut.

The app was technically available on iPad before today, but the lack of full support forced it to run as a letterboxed iPhone app, which impacted the emulator’s touch controls and prevented games from using the full iPad screen.

The new Delta 1.6 update rectifies those issues and enables the app to make full use of native iPad features like Stage Manager support, Handoff (presumably to continue gaming sessions started on an iPhone), and Split View — the latter of which allows users to run emulated games across multiple windows.

The 1.6 update optimizes Delta’s UI to take full advantage of the full-screen iPad display and improves the touchscreen buttons with new virtual controllers.

Image: Riley Testut

Delta has also finalized its new app icon, having abandoned the stylized letter “D” it previously used after Adobe took issue with similarities it shared with its own logo. Delta’s updated icon sports a more fragmented look and was designed by Caroline Moore, who also creates all of the emulator’s controller skins.

The new Delta logo (pictured) should be different enough from Adobe’s to soothe its reported threats of legal action.

Image: Riley Testut / Caroline Moore

Those features would be the icing on an already feature-rich cake considering Delta currently emulates the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, and Nintendo DS and can be played on TVs thanks to AirPlay. One thing it won’t do, however, is run on Android, with Testut confirming to The Verge that there are “no plans” to port over the iOS exclusive.

Update, July 11th: Added note about Apple rejecting the App Store app.