Apple has officially approved the first PC emulator for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. This marks a major shift, as emulators were previously restricted on iOS devices. What does this mean for users, and which emulator has been approved?
I totally get your excitement, this is a big deal for retro computing enthusiasts like us. Apple has officially approved UTM SE as the first PC emulator for iPhone and iPad. This app allows you to emulate classic operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and even Mac OS 9 on your device.
It’s built on QEMU, a powerful and widely used emulator, and supports architectures like x86, ARM, and PowerPC. You can run pre-built virtual machines or create your own configurations from scratch.
UTM SE is available for free on the App Store, though it doesn’t include any operating systems out of the box.
You’ll need to supply your own, but the app provides links to resources and guides to help you get started. It’s a fantastic way to relive the nostalgia of older software and games right on your iPhone or iPad.
If you’re into classic DOS games and applications, you’ll be thrilled to know that Apple has approved iDOS 3 for the App Store. This emulator allows you to run DOS-based programs on your iPhone or iPad.
Initially rejected due to App Store guidelines, iDOS 3 was later approved after Apple amended its emulator policies to include PC emulators. It’s available for purchase on the App Store for 99 cents.
With iDOS 3, you can enjoy classic titles like Doom, Commander Keen, and Prince of Persia on your iOS device. The app provides a virtual keyboard and supports external keyboard connections, making it a great option for retro gaming on the go.
While not a PC emulator, Provenance is a multi-console emulator approved by Apple for iOS devices. It supports a wide range of vintage gaming consoles, including Atari, Sega Dreamcast, and others.
Provenance is available for free on the App Store and provides an alternative for users interested in retro gaming on their iOS devices.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to relive the classics from consoles like the NES, SNES, and N64. The app features a user-friendly interface and supports save states, cheat codes, and multiplayer gaming, making it a comprehensive solution for retro gaming enthusiasts.