The best iOS emulators for Windows. Current iOS Emulators

Often, when developing an application or website, it is necessary to test the product on specific gadgets. Someone is just interested in seeing how another operating system functions, but there is no such physical possibility. In such cases, emulators come to the rescue. This article covers iOS emulators for Windows 7, 8, 10.

Criterias of choice

An emulator is a special program that allows you to run software that is not suitable for the existing architecture in an artificially created necessary software environment. In this case, unsuitable software is the iOS operating system, which cannot be installed on a computer or laptop. Thanks to the emulator, it is possible to run Apple's mobile OS and applications on it without using an iPhone or iPad.

The choice of such programs is great, because each of them tries to offer maximum convenience and the widest functionality. The main criteria for choosing an emulator include:

• OS version support. Not all emulators run different versions of the system. In practice, it may be necessary to have several versions of the utility to check different systems.
• license. It's simple: the program is paid or free. Some support both options, but they have feature delimitations that force users to purchase the paid version. But this does not mean that the initially free version is worse than another program from another developer.

TOP 6 best iOS emulators

Below is the top most popular iOS emulation software.

Short review

This program is the most popular among its kind. It conveys the appearance of the system on the iPad as realistically as possible. The key feature of the utility is its focus on a typical user. Unlike many other emulators, it has simple settings and looks like an Android emulator - Bluestacks.

iPadian has two licenses. The difference between the paid version and the free version is the lack of ad units and emerging tips for working with the application center.

The main functions of the program include:

• maximum imitation of the OS. The user has access to parameterization and the appearance of the mobile system. It is possible to create a new Apple ID and use iOS just like on a typical gadget;
• access to the AppStore. It is possible to visit the application store and install the desired program that is compatible with the current version of the platform.

I have been using iPadian 2 for several months. All applications work fine, the system does not freeze. Runs simple games like AngryBirds or CuttheRope without any problems. I recommend it to those who want to test IOS on a desktop computer.

Advantages

• identity with real iOS;
• iOS 10 and 11 support;
• the ability to easily update the platform.

Flaws

• a small number of available software;

Air iPhone Emulator

A compact iOS emulation program for desktop PCs. Appears externally as an image of an iPhone. The buttons on the virtual display can control the "gadget". The advantages of the utility include complete similarity with iOS 9. Due to the atypical design of the program, a realistic feeling of operating the custom OS is created.

Main Features of Air iPhone Emulator:

• the ability to use popular applications for communication and games. Similar to the previous software, existing apps on the Air iPhone have been redesigned to run on a computer;
• full functionality of calls in messengers. It is possible to manage iCloud contacts;
• taps and gestures are similar to the real iPhone. The mouse is used to emulate finger movement.

I liked the creative idea to make the screen of the program in the form of an iPhone. Convenient to use with other Windows applications. The system does not freeze even if you run games and download something from the Internet at the same time.

Advantages

• unusual but simple interface;
• free license;
• gesture support.

Flaws

• limited number of running applications;
• the last two versions of iOS are not supported;
• lack of Russian localization.

Xamarin Testflight

This is a complete program for creating applications on iOS. Swift is the main programming language, and the software can be tested in real time. This is done by the integrated emulator. By opening a virtual gadget, you can check the functionality of the program being developed, as well as go to the desktop or the AppStore (after logging in with your Apple ID).

Main features of Xamarin Testflight:

• developer support. The program does not stop receiving updates;
• emulation only versions of iOS 8 and newer.

Delivered a trial version of Xamarin for writing university programs. I liked the design of the code and hints, as well as the ability to open the iPhone emulator. At first, for a long time, I just flipped through the windows of the system and downloaded various programs from the store. I recommend it for both programmers and ordinary users.

Flaws

• not a simple interface for beginners;
• paid license;
• large volume on the disk (from 3-4 GB).

Another tool for developing programs for iOS. Its effectiveness lies in the choice of device for emulation - iPhone and iPad. Download can download the full or trial version with limited features. The latter contains blocks with ads and you cannot use custom libraries. If you just want to test the mobile platform, these restrictions won't hurt you.

A good utility. It was not possible to use it to install programs, but this is one of those few emulators with which you can test a new firmware without installing it on your phone.

Advantages

• user-friendly interface;
• a special button to open the emulator window;
• the presence of Russian localization;
• support for iOS 11 and later.

Flaws

• you can not install third-party software;
• use of a large amount of RAM;
• The trial version lasts 30 days.

MobiOne Studio

A simple environment for creating applications for Apple devices. At the moment, the project is officially closed, which is why new updates are not released. The program features include a quick installation and a free license.

After launching MobiOne Studio, an iPhone image will appear in the main window, to the left and right of which there will be programming tools. The main interaction with the emulated iOS is done with the mouse. Supports the eighth version of the platform.

A simple program. Installed, looked at the iPhone interface. All basic functions work, only new firmware cannot be installed. Does not enter the App Store.

There are quite a lot of emulators for the Android mobile environment - both paid and free. And what about the playback of the iOS environment? Are there utilities that allow you to experience the Apple environment right on your Windows 10 PC?

What is an iOS emulator and what is it for?

An iOS emulator is a special utility or online service that creates a specified mobile environment on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. Various iOS applications can run in this environment. Thus, users get the opportunity to play mobile games, use instant messengers and other programs right on the desktop of their PC.

The iOS environment emulator reproduces the iPhone interface, which can run some mobile applications

Who benefits from emulators? First of all, ordinary users who want to run certain applications not on a phone with a small screen, but on a PC with a large display.

However, it is worth noting that almost all iOS emulators offer a very limited number of available applications - the most basic and simple, for example, various instant messengers and games like Angry Birds and Cut The Rope. The reason is that Apple's operating system is closed - emulator developers cannot get access to the App Store, where all mobile utilities are located.

If you want to work in a lot of mobile applications from your computer, it is better to download an Android emulator. It will already have full access to all programs in the Play Market.

A limited number of mobile utilities are available in the emulator window, which is the main reason for the rejection of such programs.

Emulators will also help you determine if you like working on the iPhone before you might buy the device. You will be able to study the interface of the environment in advance.

Another target audience of iOS emulators are developers of applications for this OS. After writing a program, it must be tested. If it is not possible to check how the written utility works on Apple devices of different versions, an emulator comes to the rescue, which, as a rule, reproduces the environment in several versions. In addition, it saves a lot of time: there is no need to download the program every time on the iPhone after debugging.

The best iOS emulators for Windows 10

There are not so many active iOS emulators - many projects have already been closed. Nevertheless, they are, so let's consider the most popular options for developers and ordinary users.

iPadian 2: A simple solution for mainstream mobile applications

iPadian 2 is not an emulator, but a simulator of the iOS environment from the developer of the same name. It shows off the desktop of the mobile platform to give you the feeling that you are using an iPhone. The application was created for the average user: simple settings and maximum similarity with the mobile interface of the platform, which greatly simplifies the work in it.

iPadian 2 brings you the most basic and popular mobile apps for entertainment, communication and information discovery.

The popular simulator has the following features:

1. Support for iOS versions 11 and 10.
2. Ability to create your own Apple ID.
3. Adding a mobile app shortcut to the Windows desktop. Double-clicking on it will open the emulator, and already in it - the application itself.
4. Full screen mode.
5. Widget notifications.
6. Running mobile utilities in different windows, between which you can freely switch.

Users may be deterred by the following negative aspects:

1. Big load on the system. You will not be able to download some Windows program in parallel if your computer is weak.
2. Lack of support for the Russian language.
3. Lack of access to the App Store.
4. Limited number of available mobile utilities. It includes, however, the popular instant messengers Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook and Instagram. YouTube, Angry Birds, Safari and other apps are also available. The developers themselves rewrite the software to adapt it to the emulator, so they can be used immediately after installing the simulator.
5. The ability to change only the iOS desktop background - other settings are not available.

System requirements for the program are low: Windows XP and above and at least 512 MB of RAM.

The emulator developer offers users a choice of paid and free versions. The difference between the Free and Premium versions is that the latter does not have advertisements, which often interfere with working in any program.

Remoted iOS Simulator supports geolocation

You need to be prepared that the entire package, together with the Visual Studio environment, in which the development of utilities takes place, will take up a lot of hard disk space - 3–4 GB.

Appetize.io: iPhone cloud emulator

Appetize.io is an online service from the developer of the same name that allows users to work in the iPhone interface through a browser. This is its main advantage - no need to download a separate utility.

With the Appetize.io service, you can work in the iPhone interface without downloading any files to your PC

The list of benefits doesn't end there:

Along with the advantages, there are obvious disadvantages of this option:

1. A constant high-speed internet connection is required, otherwise the online emulator will run slowly.
2. There is no way to download and install mobile utilities from the App Store. The service is suitable only for getting acquainted with the interface of the iOS environment and its standard software. For example, you can open a browser and visit any page. This will be useful for site designers - they will be able to check if their resource opens on the iPhone.
3. Russian language is not supported.
4. Previously set settings and actions taken are not saved until the next start.

You can choose a version and start using it on the official website. First you need to create an account via email. Registration does not take much time. There are four options for using the program:

Video: Appetize.io Browser Emulator

Ripple: an emulator as an extension

Ripple Emulator is not a separate utility and not a cloud service, like the previous options, but an extension for the Google Chrome browser from TinyHippos. The service interface is divided into several panels that can be collapsed, expanded and arranged. On them you can change the settings of the virtual device. In the middle is the central display of the iPhone, where applications are displayed.

Ripple Emulator is an iOS emulator that works in the form of an extension

On one of the panels on the left, you can select the type of device (not only all versions of the iPhone and iPad are available, but also some other devices that work on Android, for example, Nexus One and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10).

The advantage of this option is that it is suitable for all popular versions of Windows, including 7, 8 and 10. The utility, being part of the browser, does not take up much hard drive space. The extension is able to emulate calls. But it is intended, nevertheless, mainly for testing mobile applications.

You can download the Ripple Emulator extension from the official Google Chrome store

Electric Mobile Studio: for testing and debugging web applications

Electric Mobile Studio is a product from Electric Plum distributed among developers for testing written web applications for iOS.

In the Electric Mobile Studio window, you can choose to reproduce the interface of both iPhone and iPad

The emulator has the following advantages:

1. Support for jQuery Mobile, Mobile Web JavaScript, HTML5.
2. Geolocation option.
3. Reproducing the iPhone and iPad interface.
4. Fast switching between device types.
5. Integration with Visual Studio 2012, 2013 and 2015 on Windows.
6. Application debugging.

The disadvantage of the program is that it is paid - its cost is $ 40. Initially, a free trial period is offered for a week. The emulator is suitable for Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.

The software, of course, has its own official resource, from which it is recommended to download it.

If you need to work with simple mobile utilities in the iOS environment right on your computer, download iPadian or Air iPhone Emulator. Developers can use Remoted iOS Simulator and Electric Mobile Studio. For a simple introduction to the iOS interface, the Appetize.io online service is useful, which displays a virtual iPhone that works almost like a real Apple product.

Has the dream of having a look at the iPhone, iPad or iPod still not come true? Is the iOS operating system still a mystery, shrouded in secrets? Does the App Store look like an outlandish thing from the distant future? Perhaps there is no better time to get acquainted with iOS emulators on a PC!

What is an iOS emulator

An iOS emulator is a complex software package that allows you to copy and transfer the functionality of one operating system and run it on another OS while maintaining the available features and actions.

So, for example, it is easy to feel the shell of an iPhone or iPad using a computer (PC) with the Windows operating system (7-10). And although images of upcoming mobile exclusives are already looming in my head, you definitely shouldn’t rush. iOS emulation (or rather, the current state of emulators) is far from the truth - basically, a potential audience has the opportunity to interact with some Apple software, the App Store and a special development environment for testing various applications and services.

And therefore, those who expect to be closely engaged in mobile entertainment can safely move towards emulators for Android - there is a real expanse ...

Are emulators suitable for games?

Among the impressive number of available iOS emulators, it is very problematic to single out at least five high-quality systems. And the main reason for this is the strong closeness of the operating system from Apple. The creators of emulators are hardly able to transfer at least part of the iOS functionality to computer (PC) platforms (yes, some menus will work fine, the desktop will open, it will be possible to see how it works in the settings, and novice developers can also test the new, and not yet polished software).

And the launch of some game exclusives (of which a lot has accumulated in recent years) is out of the question. Some exclusives allow you to run some kind of Cut The Rope, yes Angry Birds. But why such difficulties when the listed games have long been available on Android emulators?

Perhaps in the near future the situation will change for the better, but at this stage, neither iPadian 2 nor Air iPhone Emulator is able to run even 1% of all content available in the App Store.

List of the best emulators

If launching entertainment content through emulators on a PC is far from the main goal, and access to iOS is needed rather as a developer, then you should pay attention to the following projects:

iPadian 2

A fast-growing service that most accurately copies both the interface of the apple operating system and the work of available and pre-installed applications (smoothness, familiar animations and transitions, and at the same time the innovations of iOS 10 and 11 are also in place). The project simultaneously allows both testing the already developed functionality on a PC of applications that are being prepared for launch, and trying out small entertainment content available immediately after downloading the emulator online.

You should not rely heavily on an extensive library of applications and games - from the App Store (by the way, downloading occurs according to the rules - you need both a real Apple ID and a correctly selected region) they allow you to download some applications that have also been optimized (like the entire operating system) under Windows. In general, it will be possible to launch some economic strategies, famous instant messengers, a couple of social networks and several system tools, like Google mail.

• The advantages of the PC emulator include good optimization (even on weak PCs it will work as it should), full translation into Russian, a well-designed interface and a constantly updated library of available applications (changes are made almost every month, developers work tirelessly! );
• Of the minuses, applications are downloaded through the App Store, and therefore you will have to pay for some content. The free version of the PC emulator has too many ads and pop-up notifications that distract from the process. There are also plenty of errors related to launching applications - sometimes saves do not work, sometimes the sound disappears, crashes occur due to the full load of RAM.

AIR iPhone Emulator

A good, but too limited PC emulator, focused not on using entertainment content from the App Store, but on getting to know the iOS interface. The developers offer to test communication in messengers and Face Time voice calls, study the available contact book in iCloud, get acquainted with Apple Music and test available buttons, gestures, menus and transitions. Again, access to exclusive content - some three-dimensional role-playing epics like Infinity Blade can not count.

Another disadvantage of the emulator is the half-translated interface language, not very successful PC optimization, and the lack of support for the latest iOS versions. In addition, one gets the feeling that the developers stopped supporting the project and focused on completely different things and occasionally create the appearance of activity by posting news on the site.

Xamarin Testflight

A development environment built on the basis of Microsoft Visual Studio and offering the ability to write applications in the Swift language, and at the same time test the work of the written code in real time. The advantages of the emulator include two things - optimization (even at maximum load, no more than a few gigabytes of RAM is spent) and the ability to test the services built into iOS, gestures and menus. It’s not a problem, for example, to look into the App Store and go through authorization, try the Apple Pay functionality, trigger a couple of notifications and explore the settings panel.

Well, the main disadvantage is paid access to the main features.

Appetize.io

An in-browser emulator of Apple's mobile operating system, once again focused solely on getting to know the interface, gestures, and built-in software. Basically, the service is designed to download the content being developed and quick, but visual testing, with the ability to select the iOS version.

And although the functionality is available for free, the emulator has many more minuses than pluses. First, you can't use the App Store and download apps. Secondly, translation into Russian is not available (however, testers and developers are unlikely to have problems with English). Well, and thirdly, due to access to the capabilities in the browser, you cannot save the completed actions and look again at the results already obtained - each time the progress is reset.

And although the number of iOS emulators is growing every year, there are not so many fully functional services - the list of tools that allow you to run at least a few applications from the huge App Store library can be counted on the fingers of one hand. If there is a goal to get acquainted with mobile gaming, then it is better to immediately pay attention to Android emulators - all currently available masterpieces are launched there. If you need to test the software to work on iOS, but there was no access to Apple products with the MacOS operating system, then the best option is iPadian 2, here at least the App Store works as it should!

And application applications.

In most cases, such emulators are used by developers for software testing purposes.

Regular users rarely work with emulators, however, in recent years, the demand for such software has grown.

Below is a table with all the applications from the TOP, with which you can determine the basic features and requirements of the emulator:

Place in the ranking:	Name:	i version supportOS:	Spreading:
1	iPadian 2	iOS 10 and 11	Paid and free version
2	Air iPhone Emulator	iOS 8 and above	Is free
3	Xamarin Testflight	All versions	Paid
4	Appetize.IO	IOS 11 and up	Is free
5	smart face	All versions	Paid and free versions
6	MobiOne Studio	iOS 8	Is free
7	iPhone Simulator	iOS 7	Is free

iPadian 2

iPadian 2 is the most popular iOS emulator that replicates the iPadian interface in a very realistic way.

The main feature of the application is its focus on the average user.

While most emulators are designed for developers, iPadian does not have complex settings and looks like (for).

The paid and free versions of the emulator are available to users.

The difference with the premium version is only in the absence of ads and pop-up tips for working with the app store.

iPadian 2 features:

• Complete imitation iOS . The owner of the emulator has access to all the settings and interface of the mobile platform. You can create your Apple ID and start using the operating system just like you would on a regular smartphone or tablet;
• Access to applications in . You can download and install a program that is compatible with the OS version you are using;
• After installing the program, it is added to the computer . Clicking on the shortcut will open the emulator and launch the software you need.

“I useiPadian2 few months. All applications work fine, the system does not freeze. Runs simple games likeAngrybirdsorCuttherope. Recommend to those who want to testiOSon the computer desktop.

Air iPhone Emulator

Air iPhone is a compact iOS emulator for desktop computers.

The interface is a small window with an image.

By pressing the buttons on the virtual display, the "telephone" is controlled.

Among the advantages of the program, one can single out a complete imitation of IOS 9.

Thanks to the unusual design of the emulator, a realistic impression of using the "apple" OS is created.

Program functions:

• Support for popular applications for instant messengers, social networks and games. As in the case of the previous emulator, in Air iPhone, developers can only rewrite existing programs so that they are available to work on the user's computer;
• The function of making and receiving voice calls in instant messengers is available. Also, the user can create new contacts, add them to the iCloud phone book;
• All taps and gestures are the same as in a regular iPhone. To open the notification area, swipe up and down the screen with your mouse. To unlock the desktop, move the slider that appears on the screen to the right.

• Simple interface;
• Distributed free of charge;
• Support for software gestures.

• Most apps from the App Store don't work;
• No support for the last two generations of IOS;
• There is no Russian language.

“I liked the creative idea to make the screen of the program in the form of an iPhone. Convenient to use with other applicationsWindows. The system does not freeze even if you run games and download something from the Internet at the same time.

Xamarin testflight

Xamarin Testflight is an application for .

In addition to supporting the Swift programming language, the developer can test the programs in real time.

To do this, you need to open the built-in emulator.

After launching a virtual smartphone, you can not only work out the functionality of the program being created, but also go to the mobile desktop window or the App Store (for this you need to have a pre-created and activated account).

The main feature of Xamarin is the constant support of the developer.

Updates come regularly, which allows you to work with the latest versions of IOS.

At the moment, users can use firmware iOS 8 and higher.

Old platform versions are not supported.

• No ads;
• Russian language available;
• Fully working App Store;
• Support for the latest firmware

• The interface can cause difficulties for users who have not previously encountered a development environment;
• Distributed only on a paid basis;
• Takes up a lot of hard disk space (minimum 3-4 GB).

"Put a trial versionXamarindfor writing university programs. I liked the design of the code and hints, as well as the ability to open the iPhone emulator. At first, for a long time, I just flipped through the windows of the system and downloaded various programs from the store. I recommend it for both programmers and ordinary users.”

Appetize. IO

Appetize is a free online service that allows you to get familiar with the iOS interface on iPhone.

Also, the developers provide an open API.

In the future, other developers or simply owners of their web resources can integrate smartphone emulation with IOS into any project.

An iOS emulator to run mobile applications on a computer may be needed in some cases, and if you are not a professional developer with the appropriate software set, finding the right program is still a problem. The fact is that the official emulator with the SDK is only for Mac, and even then, it can only run those applications for which you have the source code. But, there is still a solution to the problem, and a number of developers have released emulator applications for Windows 7/8, which allow, albeit with a stretch, to get the result we need. In this article, I decided to put together a selection that will be useful to those of Applespark visitors who are looking for similar software.

iPadian 2

The program is distributed free of charge and works on all versions of Windows. After launching the application, an iPad-like desktop will open in front of you, on which you can test a number of popular programs that are available from a special developer repository. Unfortunately, you cannot install your own applications.

You can return the alternate desktop at any time if you need to use certain functions of the operating system. You can download iPadian from the official website.

App.io

A service that is a browser-based online iOS emulator that works based on HTML5 technology. A developer startup from Australia that has received several rounds of investments, but is still far from its goals. It is focused more on developers, since its main feature is to demonstrate to the user the capabilities of the promoted application right in the browser.

In fact, as you can see, the list turned out to be clearly small, but that's all I could find at the moment. A full-fledged iOS emulator remains available only on Mac and only for developers. And Windows PC users can only be content with simulators.

Undoubtedly, such a tool would have many fans and a large community. It remains only to hope that something similar will appear in the future, therefore, the article will be supplemented.