iOS emulators allow a Windows system to run and install iOS applications or games, allowing users to access these apps and games on their PC in the same way that they would on an iPhone or iPad. You can use iOS emulators to quickly test and debug apps while they’re being developed.
Best iOS Emulators for Windows
You can come across another moniker for iOS simulators if you search for emulators. Users may become perplexed as a result of it. Both roles are, nevertheless, nearly identical. On your computer, both of these programmes build an operating system environment. However, the iOS simulator’s fundamental flaw is that it does not accurately simulate hardware.
It simply gives a sense of the iPhone’s appearance and feel. Both iPhone emulators and simulators for Windows and Mac have been discussed in this article. The top 15 best iOS emulators for PC have been compiled here.
1. Test Flight:
Test Flight is a Mac version of the iPhone simulator. This programme was created by Apple in order to give the greatest emulator platform for Apple developers to test their new iOS apps. It’s an Apple-approved testing platform for iPhone apps. Furthermore, this emulator comes with a file that instructs Apple developers on how to test new iPhone apps.
Feature:
- Test Flight is a more reliable environment for testing new iPhone apps.
- When new versions of Test Flight are released, they are automatically installed on your emulators, ensuring that you get the most up-to-date features. The auto-update feature can, however, be turned off if desired.
- If you already have an app from the App Store installed on your phone, a beta will be issued, which will replace the old app and let you to experience the app’s improvements.
- Users can provide comments on the beta version to the developers through the Test Flight platform.
Pros:
A pop-up can give feedback to developers immediately if the user experience breaks. As a result, developers are notified right away and are able to make the necessary changes.
Cons:
The technological setup is the only drawback of these emulators. No one can test apps unless they have an app distribution profile.
2. Smartface:
Smartface is an iOS emulator that runs on the cloud. All frameworks are supported on this platform. As a result, you may use the same platform to create iPhone and Android apps. There’s no need to set anything up, and there’s no need to use a Mac. You can develop and test iOS on Windows with Smartface. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose premium or free editions. The cost of the paid package is $99.
Features:
- You can use Smartface’s pre-built smart UI Kits to develop swiftly and elegantly.
- Furthermore, you may construct the UI without knowing how to code using the WYSIWYG design editor. All devices and resolutions are supported by this code.
- Additionally, after producing code, you may immediately see the output of your apps.
- You can control the entire lifespan of an app using Smartface. This one platform allows you to go from design to test, deploy, and distribute.
Pros:
Smartface has various unique libraries as well as integrations with third-party apps. As a result, even if you don’t know how to code, you can easily make an app.
Cons:
Free Smartface offers are only available for a period of 15 days. As a result, you’re eventually pressured to purchase paid bundles.
3. Ripple:
Ripple is an iOS emulator for web browser extensions. It’s a well-liked tool for evaluating iOS applications. Download the Chrome extension and install it in your Google Chrome browser to run this iPhone emulator for PC. However, because it is cloud-based, it may be used on both Windows and Mac computers. It’s a free, open-source programme. As a result, it’s completely free to use.
Features:
- You may perform a DOM examination using Ripple to see what the result of a changed page layout looks like.
- It’s a useful tool for app developers who need to test and troubleshoot JavaScript.
- You may also test your app’s output on several devices with different screens and resolutions.
- The setup procedure is simple. You only need to download and install the Ripple Chrome extension from the Chrome extension repository.
Pros:
Ripple is the ideal choice for you if you wish to use an app testing and debugging tool.
Cons:
For a long period, it would not upload.
4. Mobile Electric Studio:
Although Electric Mobile Studio is a premium emulator, you can try it out for free for seven days. Basically, this is a high-quality tool for professional app developers. Electric Mobile Studio is a good choice if you need a professional emulator for your Windows PC. It costs $39.99 a month to get started.
Features:
- Multiple iPhone and iPad screen thumbnail previews are included with Electric Mobile Studio.
- Furthermore, by altering the orientation, resolution, and user agent, you may receive a responsive preview of the iPhone and examine the outlook from various angles.
- It comes with a robust command palette that makes managing several simulators a breeze.
- It supports HTML5, which aids developers in creating new apps that are compatible with the most recent iOS versions.
Pros:
This software contains a Google Chrome extension that aids in the testing and debugging of iPhone apps, which is a huge benefit.
Cons:
Because this is a large programme, it uses more memory than other emulators.
5. iPadian:
iPadian is a Windows-based iOS emulator. It just gives the impression that you are using an Apple device on a Windows computer. It’s essentially an iPad or iPhone interface with a personal touch. iPadian, on the other hand, does not save a local copy on your computer. It also prevents you from visiting Apple outlets. It is, however, not without cost. This service is available for $25.
Features:
- It is simple to use and features a user-friendly interface. Simply download and install the software.
- You can also personalise your user interface if you want to. There are, however, some constraints. Not everything can be customised.
- You manage a thousand or more iOS apps, including Facebook, Tiktok, Whatsapp, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
- Additionally, you may play iPhone-only games on your Windows PC.
Pros:
When you use this programme on your computer, you are basically using iOS on your computer.
Cons:
However, you shouldn’t expect all of iOS to work flawlessly in iPadian. In addition, iPadian does not support multitasking.
6. RunThatApp:
RunThatApp is a Windows-based iOS emulator. You may use RunThatApp to run iOS apps on your web browser through a virtual phone. To use this platform, you must first upload your programme, after which an emulator link will be produced for you to use.
For app developers, RunThatApp is a fantastic tool. To use this platform, you will have to pay each second. This tool’s entry-level package costs $.05 per minute. You can contact the seller for special pricing if you require a large amount of data.
Features:
- A straightforward procedure for testing. Simply upload your app, receive a link, and distribute it to others for testing.
- You might be concerned about the app’s security when sharing your beta test link. This app, on the other hand, protects your personal information. Only the RunThatApp secure server gets access to your apps. As a result, neither a tester nor an investor will be able to duplicate it.
- It’s available in a variety of browsers for streaming. It’s made to work with a variety of different web browsers.
- Additionally, you may try out iPhone features like sensitive touch, user interface, and so on.
Pros:
There are no costs associated with hardware installation. Because it’s cloud-based, multiple people can test it at any time, from anywhere.
Cons:
On other platforms, you can obtain the same features for nothing.
7. Xcode:
Xcode is an iPhone emulator for Mac that was created specifically for the Mac platform. You may test your app’s performance on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS using Xcode. It’s a Mac-only application. SwiftUI is fully functional for iOS app developers. Your iPhone app was transferred to Mac with simply one click. This Mac emulator is available at no cost.
Features:
- You can use Xcode to test the performance of a shop kit. It shows you how many subscribers there are and whether or not the in-app purchase product offer is working properly.
- The Xcode platform automatically refreshes your app when you create it. As a result, after updating any code, you may immediately examine the app’s output.
- You can reorganise your document tabs and adjust your contents using Xcode.
- You can change the text size of your navigation if you wish.
Pros:
Xcode is one of the greatest solutions for developing iOS apps on a Mac for free.
Cons:
It’s challenging to work on several tasks at once. When you run numerous projects at the same time, it takes a long time to complete them.
8. TestApp.io:
TestApp.io is another iOS emulator for PC that is similar to Test Flight. It’s a fantastic platform for app creators and owners to share their newly built apps with others before releasing them on the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Furthermore, the platform is cloud-based. As a result, you can invite anyone to test apps at any moment. Furthermore, lone developers can have an unlimited number of testers test their products for free. The paid version, which starts at $8/monthly, has more advanced capabilities.
Features:
- For developers, the free version is sufficient. As a result, solo developers can test an unlimited number of apps for free.
- Its user interface is so straightforward that anyone can use it. Simply drag & drop the apps into the testing platform, and anyone can use them.
- If you choose, you can manage, share, and release the apps privately.
- There are no restrictions on how many programmes you can submit, download, or install. Your apps can be tested by an unlimited number of people before they are released. As a result, you can rest assured that the apps you release will be of the highest quality.
Pros:
Designed primarily for lone developers on a tight budget. You may use advanced app testing features for free.
Cons:
The free edition does not include all of the advanced features. Finally, the sellers try to persuade you to upgrade to the paid version.
9. Air iPhone:
The Air iPhone’s name gives you a good idea of what it does. In essence, the Air iPhone is a fantastic PC emulator that produces a simulated iPhone interface on your Windows PC or laptop. It is a perfect copy of your iPhone’s screen.
As a result, you can use iPhone apps on your Windows PC. You may play iPhone games on your Windows PC or laptop with this emulator, which supports Adobe Framework. It sounds completely insane! Users can choose between free and premium versions.
Features:
- You can use the Air iPhone emulator to get a cross-platform iPhone experience on Windows.
- The idea that iPhone apps are the best is a lie. As a result, you can run the best apps on your Windows using this emulator.
- If you’re an iPhone developer, you can use a Windows PC to test and debug your apps. Furthermore, non-technical staff can use Windows to run iPhone apps.
- The Air iPhone is a fantastic breakthrough for gamers. On a Windows PC, iPhone games can be played.
Pros:
Air iPhone is the perfect choice for you if you enjoy iPhone virtual application experience. All basic iPhone apps may be launched on a Windows PC using this emulator.
Cons:
Air iPhone does not support Safari or the App Store, despite the fact that it supports all of the core iPhone functionalities.
10. iMAME:
Do you enjoy playing video games? Do you want to use your Windows PC to play iPhone games? The greatest iPhone game emulator for Windows PC is iMAME. Personally, I do not believe that iMAME is the most effective emulator. However, for gamers, it is a worthwhile option. It is possible to download and install iPhone games on Windows using iMAME. It works with a variety of iOS games. It’s also an open source programme. As a result, you may play iPhone games for free on your Windows PC.
Features:
- Download and install iPhone and iPad games on your Windows PC with iMAME.
- iMAME allows you to play iOS 9 and iOS 10 games on your Windows computer.
- Utilizing iMAME, you may play iOS games on other platforms using video game consoles.
- Anyone may install and play iPhone games on Windows thanks to the simple installation method.
Pros:
The game CHEAT Code is the most appealing to gamers. Game cheats are supported by iMAME. When you press “COIN+START” at the same time, a cheat code appears in the iMAME Menu.
Cons:
If all you want to do is replicate an iOS game, iMAME is the way to go. It is not suggested in any other case.
Conclusion:
Simulators for iOS are extremely versatile. They’re mostly used to test iOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps without having to run them on a real device. If you’re developing your app with Xcode, you can use the IDE’s built-in simulator to test it. Just keep in mind that an iPhone simulator will always have some limitations and constraints, and it is not a substitute for real-world app testing.
You can skip running simulations entirely if you’re still in the early stages of development. BuildFire’s interactive emulator allows you to see how your app will look and feel as you create it and add new features right from your browser.
