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If you are a developer, you must test your app on several iOS devices.
So, do you need to pay for every single iOS device? Nonsense! It's nonsense if a developer needs to buy every iOS device just to check their app.
There are many iOS emulators out in the market. They mimic the iPhone or iPad's hardware and software on any device. Some are free, some are paid, and each offers unique features.
This article will show the best iOS emulator for PC, Online, and Android. We'll also show how to use iOS apps on a PC without an iOS emulator.
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:
Now, let's first show you the best iPhone emulator for PCs.
You'll find many options When trying to emulate iOS on your PC. Below are the top contenders:
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
Reasons To Recommend
Pricing
It is entirely free and open-source.
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.
Corellium is priced in three tiers based on usage and need. You need to reach out for a quote that fits your needs.
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.
iPadian provides a lifelong license at the one-off purchase price of 25$.
Many people prefer using online iOS emulators. It's because they can use them anywhere and don't require any installation.
Here are 2 top iOS emulators online for you.
LambdaTest is the best emulator online iPhone. With both manual and automated tools in its arsenal, it is designed to face every testing challenge.
This tool is trusted by millions of users globally, including many industry-leading brands. Detailed documentation and guides make its application very easy even for a novice. The company also ensures that your data remains safe with strong security and compliance measures at all testing stages.
LambdaTest gives a free version and three paid plans, which are billed annually.
Live Testing: 15.month / 1 Parallel Test.
Real-Device Testing: 25.month / 1 Parallel Test.
Enterprise: Custom rate.
Appetize.io is a cloud-based iOS emulator for iPhone. Thousands of companies worldwide, including Fortune 500, have trusted Appetize.io as a proven tool for developers and businesses.
It supports integrations with industry big guns like GitHub, GitLab, and Jenkins. So, it makes workflows even more efficient.
Cost-effective online iOS emulators.
There's a free plan and three paid plans, which are billed annually.
Starter Plan: 59$/month.
Premium Plan: 319$/month.
Enterprise: Custom rates.
Now, let's move on to the iOS emulator for Android.
Running an accurate iOS emulator on Android remains a technical challenge due to the vast differences in their underlying systems. However, if you’re looking to capture the essence of iOS gameplay or explore apps with similar functionality, there are some options.
One standout option is the PPSSPP Emulator.
The PPSSPP Emulator is not an iOS emulator in the strict sense. However, it bridges the gap with comparable features. This iOS emulator PSP can deliver an experience closely mirroring the mechanics and graphics of many iOS titles. PPSSPP is under constant development with frequent improvements in performance and features.
The web contains a vast library of PSP games to download. You can play all of them on Android with this emulator.
Use games with mechanics and graphics reminiscent of iOS experiences.
Operates smoothly on a broad spectrum of Android devices.
There's a free version you can use for a lifetime. PPSSPP Gold can be obtained for about 2$ with additional features.
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.
You can enjoy your extended app store without risks of hazards involving jailbreaking.
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.
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.
Play iOS Games with The Best Screen Mirroring Tool.
Here's what it can do:
Forget messy cables. You can stream your iOS screen over Wi-Fi.
Enjoy crystal-clear 4K visuals with minimal latency.
Record your iOS activities in high resolution, complete with audio.
Immerse yourself in apps and games with a full-screen view.
Use any iOS app directly on your computer.
Grab high-quality screenshots of your mirrored screen in seconds.
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.
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.
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.
staff Editor
