StyleTap makes an emulator that allows Windows Mobile devices to run Palm OS applications. The company is working on a similar emulator that would allow users to run Palm software on an iPhone or iPod touch.

However, it has run into a significant snag: Apple's rules for third-party applications specifically prohibit emulators, as these will allow users to install and run applications that Apple hasn't approved.

Unless something changes, this means that StyleTap won't be able to offer its Palm OS emulator through the official App Store.

That's why the company is urging people who are interested in its application to use the iPhone Feedback Page to let Apple know that they would like this ban removed.

StyleTap isn't the only one affected by Apple's rule against emulators, virtual machines, scripting languages, and interpreters on the iPhone. It also blocks Java applications, Adobe Flash players, and others.

Doing an End Run

Fortunately for iPhone and iPod touch users who would like to run Palm OS applications on their mobile device, this isn't the end of the story.

StyleTap is actively working on a version of its emulator that will run on devices that have been modified so they will run software that hasn't been approved by Apple.

The company is not yet ready to announce when this version will be available, though.