iOS Emulators for PC, Online, & Android: The Best Options

Part 1. What is an iOS Emulator, and Why Do You Need One?

An iOS emulator is a tool that creates a virtual iPhone or iPad on your computer. It replicates the whole iOS experience: the screen, the buttons, the apps, and how they interact. In other words, it lets you immerse yourself in the iPhone system without owning one.

Why would anyone want this? Let's see:

• Try An iOS App: Want to test an app before you install it on your iPhone? The emulator lets you preview it free of hassle.
• Big Screen Gaming: Play your favorite iPhone games with a keyboard or mouse. You can experience them on a larger monitor for the ultimate immersive experience.
• App Development & Testing: For developers, emulators can test your app across multiple iOS versions.
• Exploring iOS: An emulator provides a sneak peek into the iOS world. It gives you a taste of what it's like.

Now, let's first show you the best iPhone emulator for PCs.

Part 2. iOS Emulators for PC (Windows and Mac):

You'll find many options When trying to emulate iOS on your PC. Below are the top contenders:

2-1. Retroarch Emulator

RetroArch is the top iOS emulator for Windows on our list. It's a free and open-source tool that is extremely popular among gamers.

People mainly use it to play iOS games on PC. There is a wide range of cores available, which allows for emulation of multiple consoles and configurations.

Since it's open source, there's no official support page for this tool. However, a large community of users can help anyone in a short time. It also develops new features and improvements constantly with updates.

Key Features

• Supports various consoles, ranging from the classic NES to PlayStation 2.
• Tailor your experience with different themes and layouts.
• Unlock features like shaders, netplay, and rewinding for a more flexible gaming experience.
• Access a growing community with resources, tutorials, and support to guide your journey.

Reasons To Recommend

• Emulate virtually any console imaginable, including iOS.
• Gives the best gaming experience.

Pricing

It is entirely free and open-source.

2-2. Corellium

Corellium is the next iOS emulator in Windows. You can choose from many iOS device models and versions to suit your testing. Leading security researchers and companies use Corellium for mobile app testing and vulnerability research.

Key Features

• It provides virtual iOS devices that are so realistic that they perform nearly indistinguishably from the real thing.
• They have comprehensive analysis tools that enable detailed troubleshooting.
• Quickly gain root access to virtual devices, ideal for security testing and exploration.
• Modify device settings, sensors, and network conditions.
• Share devices and snapshots with colleagues for enhanced teamwork and efficiency.

Reasons To Recommend

• Gives the most lifelike iOS emulation on the market.
• Advanced features designed for thorough analysis and deep testing.

Pricing

Corellium is priced in three tiers based on usage and need. You need to reach out for a quote that fits your needs.

2-3. iPadian

iPadian doesn't emulate the full version of iOS. Instead, it builds a thematic environment by simulating an iPad. This process gives the user a surface-level experience rather than the complete operating system.

iPadian was initially designed for Windows, but a macOS version exists. This emulator iOS on Windows is ideal for users looking for a light, visually appealing taste of the iOS interface.

Key Features

• It emulates the aesthetic of an iPad with familiar app icons, a dock, and a home screen layout.
• Grants access to a curated selection of apps built specifically for the iPadian ecosystem.
• Includes a browser that mimics the Safari experience.
• It's pre-integrated into networks such as Facebook.
• The simplicity of its interface ensures that anybody of any skill level can easily navigate it.

Reasons To Recommend

• Easy installation and runs smoothly even on low-configured hardware sets.
• It provides a cheap way for low users demanding a naked ios simulation

Pricing

iPadian provides a lifelong license at the one-off purchase price of 25$.

Part 3. Online iPhone Emulators:

Many people prefer using online iOS emulators. It's because they can use them anywhere and don't require any installation.

Here are 2 top iOS emulators online for you.

3-1. LambdaTest

LambdaTest is the best emulator online iPhone. With both manual and automated tools in its arsenal, it is designed to face every testing challenge.

This tool is trusted by millions of users globally, including many industry-leading brands. Detailed documentation and guides make its application very easy even for a novice. The company also ensures that your data remains safe with strong security and compliance measures at all testing stages.

Key Features

• Thoroughly tested on a large set of real iOS and Android devices.
• Test your app on more than 3000+ browser versions.
• Reduce test execution times by up to 70% with this next-gen, ultra-fast testing cloud.
• Use the power of AI with a natural language QA assistant.
• Get solutions customized from LambdaTest's quality engineering experts.

Reasons To Recommend

• One-stop tool for complete web and mobile app testing.
• LambdaTest's engineers are always available to help with your toughest challenges.

Pricing

LambdaTest gives a free version and three paid plans, which are billed annually.

Live Testing: 15.month / 1 Parallel Test.

Real-Device Testing: 25.month / 1 Parallel Test.

Enterprise: Custom rate.

3-2. Appetize.io

Appetize.io is a cloud-based iOS emulator for iPhone. Thousands of companies worldwide, including Fortune 500, have trusted Appetize.io as a proven tool for developers and businesses.

It supports integrations with industry big guns like GitHub, GitLab, and Jenkins. So, it makes workflows even more efficient.

Key Features

• Upload your app, share a link, and let anyone access it instantly from their browser.
• Whether it's an iOS app or an Android one, Appetize.io supports both.
• Experience your app as if running on an actual device, with real-time functionality.
• Create polished, branded app demos for presentations, pitches, or client showcases.

Reasons To Recommend

Cost-effective online iOS emulators.

Pricing

There's a free plan and three paid plans, which are billed annually.

Starter Plan: 59$/month.

Premium Plan: 319$/month.

Enterprise: Custom rates.

Now, let's move on to the iOS emulator for Android.

Part 4. iOS Emulator for Android

Running an accurate iOS emulator on Android remains a technical challenge due to the vast differences in their underlying systems. However, if you’re looking to capture the essence of iOS gameplay or explore apps with similar functionality, there are some options.

One standout option is the PPSSPP Emulator.

4-1. PPSSPP Emulator

The PPSSPP Emulator is not an iOS emulator in the strict sense. However, it bridges the gap with comparable features. This iOS emulator PSP can deliver an experience closely mirroring the mechanics and graphics of many iOS titles. PPSSPP is under constant development with frequent improvements in performance and features.

The web contains a vast library of PSP games to download. You can play all of them on Android with this emulator.

Key Features

• Play through a vast collection of PSP games. Most of them are identical to iOS versions.
• Benefit from high-resolution textures and post-processing shaders for more precise graphics.
• Halt and resume your progress at any point with the save state feature.
• Personalize touch controls or use an external controller for better gameplay.
• Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux for seamless integration across devices.

Reasons To Recommend

Use games with mechanics and graphics reminiscent of iOS experiences.

Operates smoothly on a broad spectrum of Android devices.

Pricing

There's a free version you can use for a lifetime. PPSSPP Gold can be obtained for about 2$ with additional features.

4-2. iOSEmus

iOSEmus is your gateway to apps, emulators, and games that Apple doesn't want you to access. As a third-party app installer, it's a haven for users eager to step outside the boundaries of the App Store. It's popular because no jailbreak is required to use iOSEmus. This iOS emulator is best for those who want apps that can't be seen on the App Store

However, some apps void the warranty for your device even though it's not jailbroken.

Key Features

• Explore the list of modded apps, emulators, and games, including the popular ones such as Spotify++ and GBA4iOS.
• Install third-party apps without having to jailbreak your device.
• Enjoy a regularly updated library with new releases.
• Use the intuitive interface to begin exploring quickly.
• Use every one of them for free.

Reasons To Recommend

You can enjoy your extended app store without risks of hazards involving jailbreaking.

Pricing

You can enjoy each of its features plus apps absolutely without any cost.

That's the last iOS emulator for iOS app usage.

However, do you want to enjoy iOS games or apps on your PC without iOS emulators? Let's show you a method.

Part 5. Play iOS Games with The Best Screen Mirroring Tool - Dr.Fone

You don't need an emulator to enjoy iOS games or apps on your PC. You can mirror the iPhone or iPad screen to your computer if you have an iPhone. Many tools like Wondershare Dr.Fone give full access to your iOS device on a larger PC screen.

Dr.Fone is not just a screen mirroring tool but an all-in-one iOS handling tool. It contains everything from data recovery to phone transfers. However, Dr.Fone's screen mirroring function stands out. It delivers a smooth, high-quality gaming experience for iOS users.

Wondershare Dr.Fone

Play iOS Games with The Best Screen Mirroring Tool.

• Mirror iOS screen to computers with cable or Wi-Fi in 3 Steps.
• Extend your iOS device screen with your PC or Mac.
• Record iOS screen and take screenshots from PC or Mac.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Here's what it can do:

Key Features

• Wireless Mirroring

Forget messy cables. You can stream your iOS screen over Wi-Fi.

• High-Definition Streaming

Enjoy crystal-clear 4K visuals with minimal latency.

• Screen Recording

Record your iOS activities in high resolution, complete with audio.

• Full-Screen Mode

Immerse yourself in apps and games with a full-screen view.

• App Access on PC

Use any iOS app directly on your computer.

• Instant Screenshots

Grab high-quality screenshots of your mirrored screen in seconds.

Step-by-Step Guide to iOS Screen Mirroring

Step 1: Open Dr.Fone on your computer. Go to My Device and select whether you want to connect the iOS device via USB or wireless.

Note: For the first time, you must connect your device with USB.

Step 2: Go to Screen Mirror under the main menu. A QR code appears on your computer. Open your iPhone camera and scan it.

Step 3: Install the Dr.Fone Link app on your iOS device by following the on-screen instructions. When it’s done, launch it and click on the scan icon at the top right corner. Scan the QR code on the computer.

Step 4: Tap the Start Broadcast icon. Your iPhone screen will automatically appear on your computer.

Step 5: Play games, use apps, record or take screenshots from your PC.

Step 6: To close the session, click on End Mirroring from Dr.Fone.

Now, let's talk about another interesting thing. Today, the trend has shifted from iOS emulators to iOS virtualization technology. Let's see what this technology is.

Bonus Tip. The Latest Trend of iOS Virtualization Technology

iOS Virtualization is an entirely different ball game than emulation. It's not a copy of iOS but creating a complete virtual replica of an iPhone or iPad within your computer. Now, how is this achieved?

Virtualization uses tools to create a specific environment on a device. This environment plays iOS apps just like a separate operating system. It will give you an actual virtual iOS with hardware and software functionality. The outcome is a near-perfect replica of the actual iOS experience.

Of course, this level of realism is a double-edged sword. Virtualization requires that your system consumes more power. However, as the trend continues, it is paving the way for unprecedented levels of iOS integration on non-Apple platforms.

Conclusion

With this guide, you're geared up with the best iOS emulator for your needs. We have shown you the top options for PC, Online, and Android devices.

Whether you're a developer, a gamer, or just exploring the world of iOS, one of these emulators is bound to suit you. Consider your technical skill level, budget, and unique needs when choosing. If you just want to mirror your iPhone screen, use Dr.Fone. Its screen mirroring feature lets you enjoy iOS games and apps on a larger screen.

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