7 BEST iOS Emulator for Windows PC & Mac (2025)
iOS emulators are programs that replicate the hardware of an iPhone on other operating systems. It helps you to run and test iOS apps on Windows PC or Mac devices. They are useful for app developers who want to know how a specific app will appear and function on the iPhone and iPad. With the help of iOS emulator software, you can play classic games, run iOS-specific software, and check the look of the app Apple’s design, interface, and some limited functionality.
After researching over 36 options with 119+ hours of meticulous work, I am excited to present my in-depth review of the best iOS emulator for Windows PC.Covering both free and paid solutions, this well-researched guide explores features, pros and cons in a professional yet user-friendly way. This article offers trusted insights you cannot afford to miss. Dive into the full article for ultimate recommendations. Read more…
BEST iOS Emulators to run Apps on Windows & Mac
Tools | Ideal For | Primary Use Case | Supported Platforms | Free Trial | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Xamarin TestFlight |
Developers, Testers | App testing and beta deployment | Android, iOS, iPad, mac, tvOS, watch OS, and Windows | Basic Life Free time version | Learn More |
![]() iPadian |
Casual users, Beginners | Simulating iOS UI experience | Compatible with Windows, Mac, and even Linux | No | Learn More |
![]() Xcode |
Professional developers | Full-fledged app development | iOS, iPad, tvOS, watchOS, and Mac. | Free if you have Apple ID. | Learn More |
Appetize.io |
QA engineers, Business demos | App demo and testing | You can run with iOS & Android apps within a web browser | Yes, but only for 1 concurrent session and 100 minutes per month. | Learn More |
Corellium |
Security experts, Enterprises | Virtualized iOS environment | iOS, iPhone, and Android. | Yes- On request | Learn More |
1) Xamarin TestFlight
Best Windows Emulator to run iOS Apps
I reviewed Xamarin TestFlight, and I found that it is an excellent iOS emulator for testing iOS apps on Windows. It allows you to use Visual Studio to test apps seamlessly. You can also run apps on a Windows PC or mirror your iPhone screen to a Mac. This emulator was earlier owned by Microsoft but is now handled by Apple.
Key Features:
- Interactive Testing States: The Xamarin TestFlight allows you to simulate app states like rotate, shake, or invoke other options.
- Profile Creation Guide: It offers detailed instructions to generate new profiles, making the process one of the easiest ways to set up configurations.
- Public Link Sharing: I can generate public links to invite external testers, which is a great option to expand access quickly.
- Feedback Collection: Testers can provide direct feedback through the app, helping developers improve their application before release.
- Testers Management: With TestFlight, it’s a great way to find and manage testers without tracking UDIDs or tester profiles.
- Supported Platforms: TestFlight supports iOS apps and devices, including iPad, Mac, tvOS, watchOS, and iMessage for seamless app testing.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Free Software
Link: https://developer.apple.com/testflight/
2) iPadian
Best for Providing a real iPad interface
iPadian is a top-rated iOS emulator for Windows PCs. During my analysis, I found it helpful to simulate the iOS environment, which is a great way to compare it with Android. I particularly liked that it allows you to replicate the iOS interface seamlessly. The tool provides remarkable features, including social media widgets, a handy sidebar for the App Store, iMessage, and Siri, making it one of the most effective options available.
Key Features:
- iOS Simulation: It allows you to simulate the look and feel of iOS. This is a great way to experience Apple’s design elements without owning a device.
- Access to Custom Apps: The platform lets you access over 1,000 apps and games, including top picks like Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram. I found it helpful to have such variety.
- User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive layout mimics an iPad, providing one of the easiest ways to navigate and explore features seamlessly. This may help new users adapt quickly.
- No Need for Jailbreaking: This solution avoids the need for jailbreaking your device. It is one of the best methods to ensure a simple installation without technical hurdles.
- Supported Platforms: It is perfect for users with Windows devices, as it allows you to experience iOS-like functionality without requiring Apple hardware.
- Additional Features Access: This emulator helps you explore Siri, WatchOS, TvOS, and the App Store. It’s a great option to expand accessibility to Apple-exclusive environments.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: iPadian is available for download on Windows with a lifetime offer priced at $9.99. Refund requests must be submitted within 14 days from the date of purchase.
Link: https://ipadian.net/
3) Xcode
Best Mac-based app development and testing software
Xcode is Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for building apps for iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac. This iOS emulator delivers tools for managing the app development process, covering everything from creating the app to testing, optimizing, and submitting it to the Apple Store. During my research, I found that it is great for handling complex projects seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Predictive Code Completion: Xcode offers predictive code completion, which allows developers to write code more efficiently by suggesting the most likely completions. This helps you to avoid common coding mistakes and focus on productivity.
- Interactive Previews: Interactive Previews are great for visualizing app designs in real-time. This feature is perfect for developers to see how their changes will appear without needing to run the application.
- Git Integration: This feature helps developers manage version control efficiently. It allows you to stage, commit, and push changes directly within Xcode, making workflow seamless.
- Seamless Deployment: Xcode offers one of the best solutions for deployment, integrating with TestFlight and the App Store to distribute applications effortlessly. It is a great way to streamline the publishing process.
- Error Detection and Fix Suggestions: The error detection feature identifies mistakes in the code, and the source code editor highlights them, typically offering helpful solutions to fix these errors in the easiest way possible.
- Supported Platforms: Supports iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS, making it perfect for users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Xcode is free to use with an Apple ID. Apple users can enjoy the basic version for free, for a lifetime.
Link: https://developer.apple.com/xcode/
4) Appetize.io
Best for network traffic monitoring
Appetize.io is a top-rated iPhone emulator for PC and Windows. I tested it and found it allows you to run iPhone apps right in your web browser without downloads or admin access. This emulator is perfect for training, app demos, developer testing, and app emulation.
Key Features:
- Seamless App Uploads: Effortlessly upload your mobile apps, and share links for easy access. This great option simplifies the demo process for stakeholders significantly.
- Live Mobile Support: Appetize allows call centers to provide real-time support for mobile applications. I find this essential for ensuring agents have the latest app versions without relying on physical devices.
- Automated Screenshot Generation: Generate screenshots automatically with every app release or update. This is one of the best ways to streamline documentation and marketing efforts for developers efficiently.
- Cross-Platform Testing: This feature helps you record and write tests using low-code solutions and JavaScript. It’s perfect for efficient testing across various platforms with minimal coding required.
- Instant Collaboration Tools: Enhance teamwork by granting instant access to the latest app versions. This may help iOS and Android teams collaborate effectively and gain valuable user experience insights.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Appetize.io Starter Plan: $59/month (billed annually, save 30%), includes up to 3 active devices and 500 minutes replenished monthly.
- Free: Single user, supports up to 2 active devices, with a maximum session time of 30 minutes, replenished monthly.
Link: https://appetize.io/
5) Corellium
Best Browser-based emulator to run iOS Apps
Corellium is my top choice when it comes to the best iOS emulators. I particularly appreciate how it allows developers and security teams to test mobile apps, IoT software, hardware, and firmware with Arm virtualization. It is an excellent option for security researchers who want to emulate iOS devices in the browser effectively.
Key Features:
- Cloud and On-Site Deployment: Corellium software is available both as a cloud service and as an on-site device, allowing you to choose the best option based on your infrastructure needs.
- Filesystem Browsing: Browse the device filesystem directly from the user interface. This feature provides a seamless and efficient way to navigate and manage files effectively.
- Flexible iOS Connections: You can connect to iOS devices through multiple options, including XCode or the libimobile script. I find this helpful for testing various configurations.
- Proxy and Monitoring Integration: Use an HTTP proxy or monitoring tools, such as Burp Suite or Charles Proxy, to analyze traffic and debug applications effortlessly.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Please reach out to our sales team for detailed pricing information.
- Free Trial: A free trial is available upon request.
Link: https://www.corellium.com/
6) Smartface
Best for Developing iOS apps with a single codebase
While conducting my evaluation, I found Smartface to be an excellent tool among the best iOS emulators for PC. It is simple and great for developers. Its cross-platform features are essential for coding and testing apps. I recommend it for creating mobile apps with Java or Objective-C/Swift.
Key Features:
- WYSIWYG Design Editor: It allows you to develop your app’s user interface with the intuitive WYSIWYG design editor, which includes auto code generation for efficiency.
- Cross-Platform Development: You can develop high-quality native iOS and Android apps using a single codebase. This is one of the easiest ways to streamline app creation.
- Real-Time App Preview: I find it helpful to instantly preview my app on an actual or virtual device. This feature is perfect for quick testing and adjustments.
- Framework Support: The Smartface browser emulator and simulator support all major frameworks, including Kotlin, Objective-C, Swift, React Native, Ionic, Cordova, and more.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Please contact customer care for pricing details.
- Free Trial: A free trial is available upon request.
Link: https://smartface.io/
7) RunThatApp
Best For hosting your app anywhere and on any device
RunThatApp is a cloud-based iOS emulator for Android smartphones. Over the course of my evaluation, I found it ideal for hosting your app on any device with a browser that supports iPhone apps. This is one of the best tools for running apps smoothly and helps users promote and test their applications with ease.
Key Features:
- Collaborative App Interaction: RunThatApp allows the support person and the customer to interact with the same running instance of the app. This helps you resolve issues collaboratively in real-time, ensuring the most effective troubleshooting.
- Beta Testing and Feedback Collection: It is a great way to beta test, demo your app, and submit feedback. I find it helpful to share my insights on app functionality during early testing phases.
- Device Compatibility: Designed to work on every device, every smartphone, every tablet, and modern browsers, this feature ensures seamless access across platforms, avoiding compatibility issues.
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: An Android phone user can run iOS apps, while an iOS user can run Android apps. This solution is perfect for developers aiming to reach a broader audience.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Billing is calculated based on seconds of usage, with a rate of just $0.05 per minute (equivalent to 60 seconds). Charges are deducted directly from your funded account.
- Free Trial: No free trial, but a demo is available.
Link: https://runthatapp.com/
8) Delta Emulator
Best for easy navigation & storing cheat codes.
Delta Emulator is a great choice for those looking for the best iOS emulators. In my opinion, it is perfect for saving cheat codes and comes with simple controls. During my analysis, I found that it lets you connect PS4, Xbox One, and MFi controllers wirelessly. It is also great for linking Bluetooth or wired keyboards.
Key Features:
- Game Controls Customization: Delta provides easy controls and allows you to save cheat codes, which is a great way to enhance your gameplay.
- Multi-Console Support: It supports a wide range of Nintendo consoles, making it one of the best solutions for retro gaming enthusiasts.
- iOS Framework Integration: Delta works seamlessly with the native iOS framework, allowing you to avoid compatibility issues and enjoy a smooth user experience.
- Controller Compatibility: It offers controller support, which is perfect for those who aim to have a console-like gaming experience on their devices.
- Cloud Synchronization: Delta Emulator enables iCloud sync, which is the most effective way to save your progress and access it across multiple devices.
- Interface Personalization: You can customize the emulator skins appearing on your iPhone screen, which helps you personalize the look and feel of your gaming environment.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Delta Emulator is available for free download and use.
Link: https://deltaemulatorapp.com/
What is an iOS emulator?
iOS emulators for PC are programs that replicate the hardware of an iPhone on other operating systems. These iOS emulators often test iPhone software on Windows or Mac computers, specifically designed to provide an iOS emulator for Mac users. It also makes running and testing iOS apps on Windows PC or Mac devices, such as using an iOS emulator for Windows, easy.
How Did We Choose BEST iOS Emulator?
At Guru99, we are dedicated to providing credible, accurate, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. After researching over 36 options with 119+ hours of work, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best iOS emulators for Windows PC, covering both free and paid solutions. Check out below important factors, including performance, compatibility, and ease of use, to ensure you select the most effective emulator. This guide helps you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.
- Performance: Make sure you evaluate speed and stability, as these are essential for a seamless experience.
- Compatibility: It is important to consider support for the latest iOS versions and various app requirements.
- User Interface: Aim to choose an emulator with an intuitive and user-friendly interface for hassle-free navigation.
- Features: Pay attention to features like debugging tools and cross-platform support for added functionality.
- Cost: Consider whether free or premium options are the best way to meet your budget and feature requirements.
- Reviews and Ratings: It might be helpful to analyze user feedback to understand real-world performance.
- Ease of Installation: One of the easiest ways to avoid issues is to opt for emulators with straightforward setup processes.
- Security: Keep in mind that safety measures are required to protect data and avoid malware risks.
Verdict
In this review, I have highlighted the top-rated iOS emulators. These tools are practical for developers and enthusiasts alike, each offering distinct benefits. Let me share my thoughts to help you make an informed decision.
- Xamarin TestFlight: This is a reliable and user-friendly solution for beta testing iOS applications. It supports extensive platforms like tvOS, iMessage, and watchOS, making it a robust choice for developers.
- iPadian: Known for its impressive interface, this emulator replicates the iOS environment and offers access to over 300 apps, ideal for seamless customization.
- Xcode: An ultimate tool for Mac-based iOS app development. It streamlines the entire process, from coding to debugging, with comprehensive features.