Emulators on iOS: Difference between revisions

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{{outdated}}
{{Infobox platform
{{Infobox platform
|title = iPadOS
|title = iPadOS
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|type = [[:Category:Emulators by operating system|Operating systems]]
|type = [[:Category:Emulators by operating system|Operating systems]]
|first-release = [[Wikipedia:iPadOS 13|iPadOS 13]] ('''2019''')
|first-release = [[Wikipedia:iPadOS 13|iPadOS 13]] ('''2019''')
|last-release = [[Wikipedia:iPadOS_18|iPadOS 18]] ('''2024''')
|last-release = {{iPadOSVer}} ('''2026''')
}}
}}
{{Infobox platform
{{Infobox platform
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|type = [[:Category:Emulators by operating system|Operating systems]]
|type = [[:Category:Emulators by operating system|Operating systems]]
|first-release = [[Wikipedia:IPhone_OS_1|iPhone OS 1.0]] ('''2007''')
|first-release = [[Wikipedia:IPhone_OS_1|iPhone OS 1.0]] ('''2007''')
|last-release = [[Wikipedia:IOS_18|iOS 18]] ('''2024''')
|last-release = {{iOSVer}} ('''2026''')
}}
}}
{{WIP}}
{{WIP}}
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;*See each Wiki Category [[:Category:Consoles|Consoles]], [[:Category:Computers|Computers]] and [[:Category:Arcade|Arcade]] for individual dedicated system pages to see more detailed comparisons and information about software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide more up-to-date listings and in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.
;*See each Wiki Category [[:Category:Consoles|Consoles]], [[:Category:Computers|Computers]] and [[:Category:Arcade|Arcade]] for individual dedicated system pages to see more detailed comparisons and information about software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide more up-to-date listings and in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.
;*Some games have [[Game engine recreations and source ports]] that run on iOS, which can be the better than emulators for their specific games.
;*Some games have [[Game engine recreations and source ports]] that run on iOS, which can be the better than emulators for their specific games.
=Background Information (WIP)=
 
==Background Information (WIP)==
Emulators were banned on the App Store for over a decade. Out of the blue, Apple allowed them in April 2024, under a few restrictions (most notably, they are not allowed to use JIT, which still requires sideloading).
Emulators were banned on the App Store for over a decade. Out of the blue, Apple allowed them in April 2024, under a few restrictions (most notably, they are not allowed to use JIT, which still requires sideloading).
==Installation Methods==
===Installation Methods===
===App Store===
====App Store====
Currently, the most recommended method to install most emulators on iOS devices is the Apple App Store. (A few emulators still aren't available here though).
Currently, the most recommended method to install most emulators on iOS devices is the Apple App Store. (A few emulators still aren't available here though).


===Sideloading===
====Sideloading====
Due to Apple restrictions, up to three apps can be sideloaded at a time (including Alt/SideServer, if applicable) and must be refreshed within one week to prevent from expiring without a paid Apple Developer account ($99/year). On iOS versions below 16.1.2 (excluding 15.7.2), MacDirtyCow's WDBRemoveThreeAppLimit exploit removes this restriction (compatible with AltStore).
Due to Apple restrictions, up to three apps can be sideloaded at a time (including Alt/SideServer, if applicable) and must be refreshed within one week to prevent from expiring without a paid Apple Developer account ($99/year). On iOS versions below 16.1.2 (excluding 15.7.2), MacDirtyCow's WDBRemoveThreeAppLimit exploit removes this restriction (compatible with AltStore).
;[https://altstore.io/ AltStore Classic]: An effective method to sideload by Riley Testut (developer of Delta) which doesn't require jailbreaking your iDevice. It requires a connected AltServer running on a computer connected by cable or Wi-Fi to install and sideload other apps.
;[https://altstore.io/ AltStore Classic]: An effective method to sideload by Riley Testut (developer of Delta) which doesn't require jailbreaking your iDevice. It requires a connected AltServer running on a computer connected by cable or Wi-Fi to install and sideload other apps.
:;[https://sidestore.io/ SideStore]: A beta fork of AltStore that doesn't require a computer post-installation, instead utilizing a Jitterbug paring file and StosVPN to install and refresh apps.
:;[https://sidestore.io/ SideStore]: A beta fork of AltStore that doesn't require a computer post-installation, instead utilizing a Jitterbug paring file and StosVPN to install and refresh apps.
;Sideloadly: An alternative to AltStore that doesn't attach an app on-device.
;Sideloadly: An alternative to AltStore that doesn't attach an app on-device.
;[https://github.com/khanhduytran0/LiveContainer/releases LiveContainer]: (For post-sideloading): An IPA that allows you to run iOS app without actually installing it, allowing you to technically install unlimited apps (3 app/10 app id limits of free developer accounts do not apply) and have multiple versions of an app installed and multiple data containers. Supports JIT. JIT-Less Mode requires patching SideStore/AltStore or exporting the certificate (requires SideStore 0.6.2-nightly+).
;[https://github.com/khanhduytran0/LiveContainer/releases LiveContainer]: (For post-sideloading): An IPA that allows you to run iOS app without actually installing it, allowing you to technically install unlimited apps (3 app/10 app id limits of free developer accounts do not apply) and have multiple versions of an app installed and multiple data containers. Supports JIT. JIT-Less Mode requires exporting your certificate (requires AltStore 2.2.1+/SideStore 0.6.2+).


===Xcode===
====Xcode====
Apps can be manually built, signed, and sideloaded with Apple's Xcode, but this isn't recommended unless you know what you're doing.
Apps can be manually built, signed, and sideloaded with Apple's Xcode, but this isn't recommended unless you know what you're doing.


==Just-In-Time Enablers==
===Just-In-Time Enablers===
Apple doesn't allow Just-In-Time Recompilation (or JIT), some emulators require it in order to run at full speed, requiring sideloading and a JIT enabler or debugger. Popular options include
Apple doesn't allow Just-In-Time Recompilation (or JIT), some emulators require it in order to run at full speed, requiring sideloading and a JIT enabler or debugger. Popular options include
;[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stikdebug/id6744045754 StikDebug/StikJIT]: Primarily codeveloped by Blu using jkcoxson's idevice, StikDebug allows debugging/JIT enabling on sideloaded apps, requiring only a Jitterbug pairing file. Supersedes JitStreamer (EB).
;[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stikdebug/id6744045754 StikDebug]: Primarily developed by Stephen using jkcoxson's idevice library, StikDebug allows debugging/JIT enabling on sideloaded apps, requiring only a Jitterbug pairing file. Supersedes JitStreamer (EB).
:;SideStore 0.6.2 (nightly) also implements a version of iDevice that allows JIT enabling.
:;SideStore 0.6.2 also implements a version of idevice that allows JIT enabling on 17.4-18.7.1.
;[https://faq.altstore.io/altstore-classic/altjit AltJIT]: Uses AltServer and AltStore to enable JIT, requires a Mac.
;[https://faq.altstore.io/altstore-classic/altjit AltJIT]: Uses AltServer and AltStore to enable JIT, requires a Mac.


=iOS/iPadOS=
==iOS/iPadOS==
==Multi-Systems==
===Multi-Systems===
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
!Name
!Name
!Latest version
!Latest version
!<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
!<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
![[RetroAchievements]]<br/>Support
![[RetroAchievements]]<br>Support
!Active
!Active
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
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![[MAME]]
![[MAME]]
|-
|-
|ArcadeMania<br/>(MAME4iOS)
|ArcadeMania<br>(MAME4iOS)
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arcademania/id6496971234 App Store]<br/>[https://github.com/yoshisuga/MAME4iOS/releases git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arcademania/id6496971234 2025.14]<br>[https://github.com/yoshisuga/MAME4iOS git]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{N}}
|{{N}}
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|-
|-
|[[RetroArch]]
|[[RetroArch]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroarch/id6499539433 1.21.0]<br/>[https://www.retroarch.com/ Website]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroarch/id6499539433 {{RetroArchVer}}]<br>[https://www.retroarch.com/ Website]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
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|-
|-
|[[Provenance]]
|[[Provenance]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 3.0.6a]<br/>[https://provenance-emu.com/apps.json AltStore]<br/>[https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805 {{ProvenanceVer}}]<br>[https://provenance-emu.com/apps.json AltSource]<br>[https://testflight.apple.com/join/NWfUUmKf tvOS TestFlight]<br>[https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance git]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu SkyEmu]
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases IPA]<br>[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu git]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{~}}
|-
|-
!Others
!Others
|-
|-
|[[Delta]]
|[[Delta]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 1.7.1s]<br/>[https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688 {{DeltaVer}}]<br>[https://apps.altstore.io AltSource]<br>[https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
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|-
|-
|[https://docs.ignitedemulator.com/ Ignited]<ref name=Ignited>Ignited is a fork of Delta with a focus on more up-to-date and modern cores.</ref>
|[https://docs.ignitedemulator.com/ Ignited]<ref name=Ignited>Ignited is a fork of Delta with a focus on more up-to-date and modern cores.</ref>
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ignited-gba/id6743347 1.2.1 (GBA)]<br/>[https://cdn.ignitedemulator.com/versions/1.10/Ignited.ipa AltStore]<br/>[https://github.com/LitRitt/Ignited git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ignited-gba/id6743347338 {{IgnitedVer}}]<br>[https://testflight.apple.com/join/ExWvtjcq TestFlight]<br>[https://github.com/LitRitt/Ignited git]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{N}}
|{{N}}
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|{{TBD}}
|{{TBD}}
|-
|-
|[[Citra#Forks|Folium]]
|[[Folium]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 App Store]<br/>[https://folium.emuplace.app Sideload 1.20]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folium/id6498623389 {{FoliumVer}}] ($)<br>[https://folium.emuplace.app/downloads IPA]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{N}}
|{{N}}
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|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|-
|-
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu SkyEmu]
|[[QEMU#UTM|UTM]]
|[https://github.com/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/releases Stable v3]<br/>[https://nightly.link/skylersaleh/SkyEmu/workflows/deploy_ios/dev/iOSRelease.zip Nightly v4]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/utm-se-retro-pc-emulator/id1564628856 {{UTMVer}}]<br>[https://alt.getutm.app AltSource]<br>[https://github.com/utmapp/UTM git]
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{~}}
|-
|[https://getutm.app/ UTM]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/utm-se-retro-pc-emulator/id1564628856 4.6.2 (SE)]<br/>[https://alt.getutm.app AltStore]<br/>[https://github.com/utmapp/UTM git]
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{N}}
|{{N}}
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|-
|-
|[[Manic EMU]]
|[[Manic EMU]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}]<br/>[https://github.com/LeeAoshuang/ManicEmu/releases git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/th/app/manic-emu-game-emulator/id6743335790 {{Manic EMUVer}}]<br>[https://apps.manicemu.site/altstore AltSource]<br>[https://github.com/Manic-EMU/ManicEMU git]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{n}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{?}}
|{{✓}}
|}
|}


==Nintendo==
===Nintendo===
===GameCube / Wii===
====GameCube / Wii====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|WiiWare
! WiiWare
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|JIT<br/>required
! Requires JIT/JITLess
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[[Dolphin|DolphiniOS]]
|[https://dolphinios.oatmealdome.me/ DolphiniOS]
|[https://altstore.oatmealdome.me AltStore]<br/>[https://github.com/OatmealDome/dolphin-ios/ git]
|[https://altstore.oatmealdome.me AltSource]<br>[https://github.com/OatmealDome/dolphin-ios/ git]
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|?
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{✓}} (Beta)
|-
|Fin
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fin-game-emulator/id6758910777 {{FinVer}}]
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|?}} ({{License|?}})
|{{✗}}
|{{y}}
|{{✓}} (Beta)
|-
|[https://icube-emu.com/ iCube]
|[https://testflight.apple.com/join/9ZEfnyMP TestFlight]<br>[https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/iCube git]<br>[https://icube-emu.com/downloads Sideload]<br>
|{{~}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2+}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
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|}
|}


===Nintendo Switch===
====Switch====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Requires JIT
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! Active
! scope="col"|JIT
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[https://melonx.org MeloNX]
|[https://melonx.org MeloNX]
|[https://git.743378673.xyz/MeloNX/MeloNX/releases/latest git]
|[https://git.ryujinx.app/melonx/emu/-/raw/XC-ios-ht/source.json AltSource]<br>[https://git.ryujinx.app/melonx/emu git]
|?
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|AGPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
Line 166: Line 187:
|-
|-
|[https://pomelo-emu.github.io Pomelo]
|[https://pomelo-emu.github.io Pomelo]
|[https://github.com/Pomelo-Emu/pomelo-emu.github.io/releases/latest git]
|[https://github.com/Pomelo-Emu/pomelo-emu.github.io/releases git]
|?
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{y}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{n}}
|{{y}}
|-
|-
|Sudachi
|Sudachi
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|?
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✗}}
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{n}}
|}
 
====Wii U====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Latest version
! Accuracy
! [[Licensing|License]]
! Requires JIT
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|TailFin
|[https://testflight.apple.com/join/zJAF6tCc TestFlight]
|{{~}}
|?
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|{{✓}} (Beta)
|}
===Sony===
====PlayStation Portable====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Latest version
! Accuracy
! [[Licensing|License]]
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|Gamma
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gamma-ps-1-game-emulator/id6499106870 {{GammaVer}}]
|?
|{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|}
|}


==Sony==
====PlayStation 2====
===PlayStation 2===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Name
!Name
!scope="col"|Latest version
!Latest version
!scope="col"|Accuracy
!Accuracy
!scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
![[Licensing|License]]
!scope="col"|Active
!Requires JIT
!scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
!Active
!scope="col"|JIT
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[[Play!]]
|[[Play!]]
|[https://purei.org/downloads.php Builds]<br/>[https://github.com/jpd002/Play- git]
|[https://purei.org/downloads.php Builds]<br>[https://github.com/jpd002/Play- git]
|Low
|Low
|{{Green}} {{License|BSD2}} ({{License|Permissive}})
|{{Green}} {{License|BSD2}} ({{License|Permissive}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|{{n}}
|-
|ARMSX2
|[https://github.com/ARMSX2/ARMSX2 {{ARMSX2iOSVer}}]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|?
|{{Y}}
|?
|-
|iPSX2
|[https://github.com/otti83/iPSX2/releases/ git]
|Low
|{{Green}} {{License|?}} ({{License|?}})
|{{Y}}
|{{?}}
|?
|-
|Alune
|[https://jarrodnorwell.com/alune/ Sideload]<br>[https://testflight.apple.com/join/jDZ4BM99 TestFlight]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|?}} ({{License|?}})
|{{✓}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|?
|}
|}


===PlayStation Portable===
====PlayStation Portable====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"|Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[[PPSSPP]]
|[[PPSSPP]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903 1.18]<br/>[https://www.ppsspp.org/download/ Builds]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903 {{PPSSPPVer}}]<br>[https://nightly.link/hrydgard/ppsspp/workflows/build/master/ios%20build.zip Beta Builds]
|High
|High
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
Line 219: Line 300:
|}
|}


===Microsoft===
====Xbox====
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Name
!Latest version
!Accuracy
![[Licensing|License]]
!Requires JIT
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|[[DukeX]]
|[https://github.com/MaftyManicEMU/DukeX/releases v1.0.0]<br>[https://raw.githubusercontent.com/MaftyManicEMU/DukeX/refs/heads/master/altsource/source.json AltSource]<br>[https://github.com/MaftyManicEMU/DukeX git]
|Mid
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|}


====Xbox 360====
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Name
!Latest version
!Accuracy
![[Licensing|License]]
!Requires JIT
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|XeniOS
|[https://xenios.jp/ Builds]<br>[https://github.com/xenios-jp/XeniOS/releases git]
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|BSD3}} ({{License|Clause}})
|{{✓}}
|{{Y}}
|{{Y}}
|}


==Sega==
===Sega===
===Dreamcast===
====Saturn====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! scope="col"|JIT
|-
|[[Yaba Sanshiro]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/yaba-sanshiro-2/id1549144351 {{YabaSanshiroiOSVer}}]
|High
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|}
 
====Dreamcast====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Latest version
! Accuracy
! [[Licensing|License]]
! Requires JIT
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[[Flycast]]
|[[Flycast]]
|[https://flyinghead.github.io/flycast-builds/altstore.json AltStore]<br/>[https://flyinghead.github.io/flycast-builds Build]<br/>[https://github.com/flyinghead/flycast git]
|[https://github.com/flyinghead/flycast git]
|High
|High
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{x}}
|{{~}}
|{{n}}
|}
===SNK===
====Neo Geo MVS / AES====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Latest version
! Accuracy
! [[Licensing|License]]
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|''Arcade Archives''<br><small>''ACA NEOGEO''</small>
|N/A
|High
|{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{y}}
|{{y}}
|}
|}


==Apple Inc.==
===Apple Inc.===
===Macintosh 68k===
====Macintosh 68k====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"|Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|Mini vMac
|Mini vMac
Line 259: Line 412:
|}
|}


==Multi- game engines==
===Multi- game engines===
===ScummVM (point-and-click adventure game engine)===
====ScummVM (point-and-click adventure game engine)====
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
!scope="col"|Name
!Name
!scope="col"|Latest version
!Latest version
!scope="col"|[[Emulation accuracy|Accuracy]]
![[Emulation accuracy|Accuracy]]
!scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
![[Licensing|License]]
!scope="col"|Active
!Active
!scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
![[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
|[[ScummVM]]
|[[ScummVM]]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scummvm/id6446184412 2.9.0]<br/>[https://github.com/scummvm/scummvm git]
|[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scummvm/id6446184412 {{ScummVMVer}}]<br>[https://github.com/scummvm/scummvm git]
|Mid
|Mid
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
Line 277: Line 430:
|}
|}


===OpenBOR===
====OpenBOR====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
Line 294: Line 447:
|}
|}


==CHIP-8==
===CHIP-8===
===CHIP-8/MegaChip/SCHIP===
====CHIP-8/MegaChip/SCHIP====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Name
! Name
! scope="col"|Latest version
! Latest version
! scope="col"|Accuracy
! Accuracy
! scope="col"|[[Licensing|License]]
! [[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col"|Active
! Active
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
! [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
Line 310: Line 463:
| {{✗}}
| {{✗}}
| {{~}}
| {{~}}
|}
== Source ports/re-implementations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Latest version
!License
!Active
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
!'''Supported game(s) / Recreation based on'''
|-
|Pojavlauncher
|[https://github.com/PojavLauncherTeam/PojavLauncher_iOS/releases 2.2]
|
|X
|
|Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher
|-
|Amethyst
|[https://nightly.link/AngelAuraMC/Amethyst-iOS/workflows/development/main/org.angelauramc.amethyst-ios.ipa.zip 2.2]
|
|~
|
|Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher
|-
|Amethyst (iOs Remastered
|[https://github.com/herbrine8403/Amethyst-iOS-MyRemastered/releases 4.0.1]
|
|~
|
|Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
[https://blog.greggant.com/posts/2025/03/18/the-definitive-guide-to-ios-emulation.html Guide to avaliable emulators for iOS]
[https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOniOS/]
{{Emulators on other systems‎‎}}
{{Emulators on other systems‎‎}}


==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://blog.greggant.com/posts/2025/03/18/the-definitive-guide-to-ios-emulation.html Guide to available emulators for iOS]
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOniOS/ Subreddit]
[[Category:iOS| ]]
[[Category:Emulators on mobiles]]
[[Category:Emulators on mobiles]]
[[Category:iOS emulation software|*]]
[[Category:iOS emulation software| ]]

Latest revision as of 12:48, 23 August 2026

iPadOS
Developer Apple Inc.
Initial release iPadOS 13 (2019)
Latest release / iPadOS 26.6.1 (2026)
iOS
Developer Apple Inc.
Initial release iPhone OS 1.0 (2007)
Latest release / iOS 26.6.1 (2026)
This page is about emulators that run on iOS and iPadOS.
For software that emulates iOS/iPadOS on other hardware, see iOS emulators.

iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system developed by Apple exclusively for its mobile devices. It was unveiled in January 2007 for the first-generation iPhone, which launched in June 2007. iOS is based on macOS, and is the basis for three other operating systems made by Apple: iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. iOS also formerly powered iPads until iPadOS was introduced in 2019 and the iPod Touch line of devices until its discontinuation. iPadOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple for its iPad line of tablet computers. It was given a name distinct from iOS, the operating system used by Apple's iPhones to reflect the diverging features of the two product lines, such as multitasking. It was introduced as iPadOS 13, reflecting its status as the successor to iOS 12 for the iPad, and first released to the public on September 24, 2019.

Before diving in;
  • See each Wiki Category Consoles, Computers and Arcade for individual dedicated system pages to see more detailed comparisons and information about software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide more up-to-date listings and in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.
  • Some games have Game engine recreations and source ports that run on iOS, which can be the better than emulators for their specific games.

Background Information (WIP)

[edit | edit source]

Emulators were banned on the App Store for over a decade. Out of the blue, Apple allowed them in April 2024, under a few restrictions (most notably, they are not allowed to use JIT, which still requires sideloading).

Installation Methods

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App Store

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Currently, the most recommended method to install most emulators on iOS devices is the Apple App Store. (A few emulators still aren't available here though).

Sideloading

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Due to Apple restrictions, up to three apps can be sideloaded at a time (including Alt/SideServer, if applicable) and must be refreshed within one week to prevent from expiring without a paid Apple Developer account ($99/year). On iOS versions below 16.1.2 (excluding 15.7.2), MacDirtyCow's WDBRemoveThreeAppLimit exploit removes this restriction (compatible with AltStore).

AltStore Classic
An effective method to sideload by Riley Testut (developer of Delta) which doesn't require jailbreaking your iDevice. It requires a connected AltServer running on a computer connected by cable or Wi-Fi to install and sideload other apps.
SideStore
A beta fork of AltStore that doesn't require a computer post-installation, instead utilizing a Jitterbug paring file and StosVPN to install and refresh apps.
Sideloadly
An alternative to AltStore that doesn't attach an app on-device.
LiveContainer
(For post-sideloading): An IPA that allows you to run iOS app without actually installing it, allowing you to technically install unlimited apps (3 app/10 app id limits of free developer accounts do not apply) and have multiple versions of an app installed and multiple data containers. Supports JIT. JIT-Less Mode requires exporting your certificate (requires AltStore 2.2.1+/SideStore 0.6.2+).

Xcode

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Apps can be manually built, signed, and sideloaded with Apple's Xcode, but this isn't recommended unless you know what you're doing.

Just-In-Time Enablers

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Apple doesn't allow Just-In-Time Recompilation (or JIT), some emulators require it in order to run at full speed, requiring sideloading and a JIT enabler or debugger. Popular options include

StikDebug
Primarily developed by Stephen using jkcoxson's idevice library, StikDebug allows debugging/JIT enabling on sideloaded apps, requiring only a Jitterbug pairing file. Supersedes JitStreamer (EB).
SideStore 0.6.2 also implements a version of idevice that allows JIT enabling on 17.4-18.7.1.
AltJIT
Uses AltServer and AltStore to enable JIT, requires a Mac.

iOS/iPadOS

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Multi-Systems

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Name Latest version FLOSS RetroAchievements
Support 		Active Recommended
MAME
ArcadeMania
(MAME4iOS) 		2025.14
git 		✓ ✗ ✓ ✓
libretro
RetroArch 1.22.2
Website 		✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Provenance 3.3.0
AltSource
tvOS TestFlight
git 		✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
SkyEmu IPA
git 		✓ ✓ ✓ ~
Others
Delta 1.7.3s
AltSource
git 		✓ ~ ✓ ✓
Ignited[1] 1.10
TestFlight
git 		✓ ✗ ✓ TBD
Folium 2.0 ($)
IPA 		✓ ✗ ✓ ~
UTM 4.7.5
AltSource
git 		✓ ✗ ✓ ✓
Manic EMU 2.0.0
AltSource
git 		✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Nintendo

[edit | edit source]

GameCube / Wii

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Name Latest version WiiWare Accuracy License Requires JIT/JITLess Active Recommended
DolphiniOS AltSource
git 		~ ? GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓ ✓ (Beta)
Fin 1.1.1 ~ ? () ✗ ✓ ✓ (Beta)
iCube TestFlight
git
Sideload
 ~ ? (Copyleft) ✓ ✓ ✓ (Beta)

Switch

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Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
MeloNX AltSource
git 		? AGPLv3 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓ ✓
Pomelo git ? GPLv3 (Copyleft) ✓ ✗ ✗
Sudachi git ? GPLv3 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓ ✗

Wii U

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
TailFin TestFlight ~ ? ✗ ✓ ✓ (Beta)

Sony

[edit | edit source]

PlayStation Portable

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
Gamma 2.0.1 ? Proprietary ✓ ✓

PlayStation 2

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
Play! Builds
git 		Low BSD-2-Clause (Permissive) ✓ ✓ ✗
ARMSX2 2.5.2 ? GPLv3 (Copyleft) ? ✓ ?
iPSX2 git Low () ✓ ? ?
Alune Sideload
TestFlight 		? () ✓ ✓ ?

PlayStation Portable

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
PPSSPP 1.20.4
Beta Builds 		High GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓

Microsoft

[edit | edit source]

Xbox

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
DukeX v1.0.0
AltSource
git 		Mid GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓ ✓

Xbox 360

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
XeniOS Builds
git 		? BSD-3-Clause () ✓ ✓ ✓

Sega

[edit | edit source]

Saturn

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
Yaba Sanshiro 1.18.15 High GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓

Dreamcast

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Requires JIT Active Recommended
Flycast git High GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✗ ~ ✗

SNK

[edit | edit source]

Neo Geo MVS / AES

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
Arcade Archives
ACA NEOGEO 		N/A High Proprietary ✓ ✓

Apple Inc.

[edit | edit source]

Macintosh 68k

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
Mini vMac git ? GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✗ ✓

Multi- game engines

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ScummVM (point-and-click adventure game engine)

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
ScummVM 2026.3.0
git 		Mid GPLv2 (Copyleft) ✓ ✓

OpenBOR

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
OpenBOR-iOS git ? Non-commercial ~ ✓

CHIP-8

[edit | edit source]

CHIP-8/MegaChip/SCHIP

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version Accuracy License Active Recommended
iPhone-Chip-8-Emulator git ? 3.0 (Non-commercial) ✗ ~

Source ports/re-implementations

[edit | edit source]
Name Latest version License Active Recommended Supported game(s) / Recreation based on
Pojavlauncher 2.2 X Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher
Amethyst 2.2 ~ Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher
Amethyst (iOs Remastered 4.0.1 ~ Minecraft: Java Edition Launcher

See also

[edit | edit source]

Emulators on other systems(edit)

Notes

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ Ignited is a fork of Delta with a focus on more up-to-date and modern cores.
[edit | edit source]
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