The iOS operating system offers a significant number of useful applications that are not available for use on other platforms. To see how these apps will function on a Windows laptop or PC, you need an iOS emulator. This type of software can come in handy for developers or just for those who want to run iPhone apps right on their PC.
Emulator Benefits

• Allows you to run applications on different platforms or operating systems. It is a great way to test iOS developments on PC.
• Allows you to test the functionality and appearance of iOS before purchasing an Apple device.
• The program can be obtained free of charge.

Emulator Disadvantages

• Consumes a lot of RAM, which can cause slow PC performance.
• Running high-quality applications (such as games) is useless as they won't be able to work properly.

It's free to use iPadian to run Apple apps on your PC. However, the program has several other features that are only available to paid users. iPadian is characterized by high performance, good loading speed, attractive GUI, rich display. Has its own iPadian store.

This is a free tool. Very useful for developers to test the operation of iOS programs. It has a clear interface, user-friendly design, suitable for games. Notable features of the emulator include saving PC resources, status notifications, sharing. The disadvantages include the fact that support for the project is officially closed.

The program is distributed free of charge. It has high quality graphics and animation. Allows you to use some of the basic functions of the iPhone: calendar, clock, calculator. Widely used by developers to track down any bugs in applications.

Recommended for users who want to access iPhone games/applications using Windows, as well as for those who want to experience the Apple operating system interface. The only drawback of the emulator is the inability to access the App Store.

Using the flexible Adobe AIR development environment, you can create a new instance of the Windows-based iOS GUI. While not technically an emulator, Adobe AIR allows developers to experience iOS applications without using an Apple device.

Since the development environment is maintained by a reputable company, it is updated frequently. However, the existing hardware limitations of replication mean that the appearance and behavior of an application in Adobe AIR may not match what would be displayed on an actual Apple device.

This is a free Adobe AIR tool that can be used to mimic the Apple mobile interface. Before launching the program, you will need to install Air framework, which will recreate the iPhone GUI on the Windows platform. Because the Air iPhone is not a fully functional tool, users will find the difference between running programs on an emulator and on a real device. In addition, some core iOS features are missing from the Air iPhone.

Appetize.io uses cloud storage. Installation of additional software is not required. Appetize.io can be run in any major web browser. In addition to emulation, the service offers additional features: automated testing, scalable corporate deployments, network usage analysis.

The developers offer a free trial plan that is limited to two concurrent users and 100 minutes of streaming per month. Paid subscriptions start at $40. By the way, the free version is more than enough for a simple development check or test.

APP.IO is a cloud-based tool that works through a browser. It has a lightweight user interface, uses HTML5, which ensures fast processing speed. It is possible to send online demos of applications to clients or investors directly to their browser. Free use of APP.IO is only available for the first 7 days.

Ripple is a Chrome browser extension that emulates various mobile environments, including iOS. In the course of work, it can be integrated with other tools in order to debug and run automated test scripts. Ripple is the best iPadian alternative, iPad Simulator. However, the extension is currently no longer being updated.

Smartface is a cross platform emulator. Used to run and test Apple applications in a different environment. Can become an alternative to iPadian. To work, you need to connect your Apple device to a computer with iTunes installed in order to recognize it. Smartface has two versions: trial free and paid (from $99).

Xamarin provides a powerful framework developed by Microsoft for programming iOS applications on a PC using Visual Studio. Compared to the standard emulator, Xamarin is much more flexible. The program works with the C# programming language and is widely used by developers.

Xamarin TestFlight is a paid product from Microsoft that is constantly updated. Has a lot of functionality, extended support, user-friendly interface. You can test or run iOS 8.0 or later apps in the app.

Greetings, dear lovers of apple iOS devices such as iPad or iPhone. In this regard, we have a lot in common with you, but oh well, we will not dilute the lyrics, but let's get down to our today's topic. And today we will talk about the iOS (iPad) emulator, to be precise, about the iPad emulator.

In general, the situation with apple operating system emulators for PC Windows 7, 8 is sad.. Unfortunately, full-fledged and fully functional iOS emulators (iPad), in fact, do not exist.

There are, how to put it better, simulators, i.e. programs do not emulate, but simulate the operation of iOS (iPad) on your PC Windows 7, 8. For example, an emulator would be better suited to run games and applications, running games on the simulator will be somewhat difficult, but still, to some extent, launching games, available.

Running games on the iPadian is also possible, but with a few limitations, the App Store also doesn't work quite correctly, or rather, it doesn't work at all, but try it, maybe you will have a different situation, everything can be.

iPadian is currently the only solution that will let you, if not, fully enjoy iOS(iPad), then at least enjoy the visual component of iOS, i.e. appearance. you can from the official site, the link is just below the text.

iPadian

You can download this application for your Windows 7 PC from the link - http://ipadian.en.softonic.com/.

Important: for the iPadian program (emulator) to install and work correctly, your Windows PC must have the latest version of Adobe AIR installed at the moment. You can download and install the latest version of Adobe AIR using the link - http://get.adobe.com/ru/air/.

The program (emulator) iPadian does not require installation on your PC Windows 7.8. You just need to download the program, run its executable file and enjoy the beautiful look of iOS 7.

Conclusion

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.

Do you want to use any iOS app but don't have an iPhone? Don’t worry, as today I will be sharing how you can iOS apps in your PC/Computer using iPhone Emulators. I was getting many queries regarding best iOS Emulator For Windows using which one can run iOS apps in Windows. So, If you are looking for the same, Keep reading the article as I will list all iOS based Emulators which is available for Windows platform.

What is iOS Emulator?

An iOS emulator is a software that enables one computer system, known as the host to behave like another Operating System, called the guest by enabling the host system to run the software or use devices that are originally developed to be used by that particular OS. Putting things in perspective for this specific discussion, an iOS emulator will enable a windows based computer to emulate or imitate an iOS based device through certain specific programs that have been specially created for this purpose. Through the use of these emulators the app developers can test their programs before coming out with commercial versions of the same as well it allows the users of windows to use these towards using the iOS games or apps or to create iOS apps on their PCs.

iOS Emulator VS iOS Simulator

Although these two words ‘Emulator’ and ‘Simulator’ is understood to be meaning the same, in actuality, these are quite different from each other. To put it simply, emulators actually mimic the software and hardware environments found on the corresponding host devices, whereas the simulators only mimic the software environment. Towards that end, Simulation is generally used for analysis and study whereas Emulation is used for using a particular device as a substitute or to get the exact experience as that of the device that is being emulated. Therefore, it will be quite correct to say that an Emulator is a combination of hardware and software, thereby providing more realistic behavior whereas the Simulator is only software based. One analogy, to understand the subtle difference between the two could be to imagine that you are trying to tell your friend that it will be fun to jump in an ice cold pool. To simulate it, you pretend to jump into the pool yourself and enjoy the cold water by enacting how it would feel. To emulate the same, you actually jump into the pool.

Advantages Of iOS Emulator

There are various advantages of using iOS emulators and that is a proof of the fact that there are multiple emulators now available with their numbers ever increasing. Some of the distinct advantages of using iOS simulators are the following:

• These emulators can be used during the development process for testing the various apps.
• The emulators can be easily run on multiple devices.
• Emulators obviously facilitate the users to experience an OS that they could not otherwise afford due to its high costs.
• Emulators can help the undecided customers to first have a look and feel and the actual experience of using a particular iOS device before deciding whether they would like to buy it or not.

I think you have already got enough idea about emulators & simulators. – What they are and how it will serve your purpose. So, Let's discuss about best iOS/iPad Emulator for Windows without any delay now.

There are dozens of emulators for iOS available for Windows PC and it's really very difficult for most of us to find the best one for our personal use. But don’t worry as our team had researched about iOS Emulators & simulators in-depth before writing this article, so that you can easily select best iPhone emulator for Windows PC from the below list.

Best iOS Emulator for Windows 7/8/8.1/10:

although with the rapid development of technology and the interconnectivity of operating systems, there are various programs that have been developed to work as iOS emulators; the following are some of the better-known ones that have been received quite well by its users.

MobiOne Studio

MobiOne is considered among the most versatile and easy to use software that allows the users to emulate various iOS apps with ease as well as developing iOS applications. This program has been downloaded by more than half a million designers and developers since its launch in 2009 and has multiple unique capabilities such as customized user interface templates that use the drag and drop function for both portrait and landscape orientations that can also be modified. Through the App Sync technology, MobiOne also supports large sized apps for review and testing. Through the use of common text messaging, users can also transfer their apps directly to any mobile device.

Update – This iPhone Emulator is officially discontinued now but you can still install it in your computer by downloading EXE file of it from third party sites.

smart face

Smart face is among the most popular iOS emulators that offer basic functions for Windows OS and allows the users to develop unlimited apps absolutely free of cost. It is extremely easy to use this program too. All that one needs to do is to install the app on the host device through the app store and then connect it to the windows system. It is important that the Windows device should have the iTunes installed so that the two systems can work in sync. Once the iOS is emulated onto the Windows device, the developers can then develop native applications through Smart Face. There is also the function to debug your apps with useful debugging features such as real time code changes and breakpoints etc. As an app developing software the program is quite adept at providing the capability to the users to test the applications in various iOS environments. Although we are discussing only the iOS in this article, it is worth while to know that Smart face can also be used with the Android platform with equal efficiency.

Air iPhone Emulator

Air iPhone Emulator is widely regarded to be among the top programs to create extremely realistic emulation effects. This program functions with the support of the Adobe Air framework that recreates the Graphical User Interface or GUI of the selected iOS on the Windows platform computers. This program is of great importance to the developers who can upload their newly developed applications to the Air iPhone emulator before releasing it to see how it looks and feels like. Although there are various features available on this emulator, some core applications such as the Safari Web browser are not available and that constraints its use. Air iPhone emulator was originally designed to allow users to make and receive free calls through Ribbit, a telecommunications service that was used mostly by developers to connect with telephone networks. Ribbit was acquired by BT in 2008 and the communication features are no more functional.

iPhone Simulator

The iPhone simulator works on the flash and is considered among the foremost apps when it comes to the ease of use and the brilliance of the interface. Although this app does not give access to some crucial iPhone apps such as the App Store or the Safari browser, it is still quite handy when it comes to having an access to the other more popular applications such as notepad, clock, calculator etc. Whereas it seems that this simulator is using the iOS, it is basically a flash application and has its natural limitations. Although this program might not be very useful for the app developers for advanced features such as debugging etc., it is still quite handy for those that want to experience the iOS environment before deciding to invest in an iOS device.

iPadian

As the name suggests, iPadian is a software program for Pcs that are running Windows XP or higher to easily launch an alternative desktop that looks like an iPad screen. In the true sense, therefore, iPadian is not really a true emulator, but rather a simulator. iPadian is actually a desktop application that is based on the Adobe Air platform and cannot run without that being first installed on the computer. Since it is not possible to access many of the native iOS apps on the iPadian, it comes with its own app store which is a set of apps that can run on windows and give the user a feeling of using the iOS apps. iPadian also has some major interface challenges since it tries and emulates the iPad which has a touch interface and when it is rendered on PC, it doesn’t quite give the same experience to the users since the touch screen swipe function cannot be perfectly emulated.

Some features of iPadian for PC:

1. Free version of iPadian can give you basic iOS feel for free.
2. Access to customized store App Store in free version.
3. In premium version, you can use any app freely with the Apple App Store.
4. Premium version is totally ad free.
5. Moreover, it's cheap also. (Premium version is available for 10$ only).

How to Install iPadian in Your Windows Computer:

1. First of all, Download iPadian from above link.
2. Double, Click on installation file which you have downloaded in above step.
3. Follow, on screen options and Click on Next accordingly.
4. Once, you have successfully installed iPadian in your PC, you can follow further steps to run iOS apps in your Windows Computer.

How to run iOS Apps in Windows 7/8/8.1 PC by iPadian:

Once, you have successfully installed iPadian in your Windows Computer. You will see iPadian icon on desktop.

• Simply, do a double click on iPadian icon.
• Now from their interface, simply click on store.
• Download your favorite apps from there and enjoy iOS emulator on PC.

Xamarin Testflight

Xamarin Testflight is one of the best iOS based emulators for windows. In terms of developer support, I have to say that Xamarin Testflight is to give a try once. Thought, its paid emulator for Windows, but believe me it's worth it.

In this post, I will not cover how to setup this emulator as a developer of Xamarin Testflight has written detailed tutorial on the same on their official blog.

Appetize.io

Appetize.Io is one of the best iOS Emulators for Windows. Note that it is cloud based emulator and you can not download it in your PC/Computer. Earlier, there was an iPhone emulator known as App.io but it is not available any more. So, if you are looking for App.io alternative, then Appetize.io is a must-try.

It is available for free for the first 100 minutes per month. After that you will be charged $0.05 per minute which is very reasonable too. Note that you will not be able to install any app in the emulator as it's demo based but you can test .ipa files in it.

To use it, just upload .ipa file in the upload form and enter your email address. You will get a link in your mail inbox. Just click on it to test your .ipa file in the Appetize.io online Emulator.

Final Words

We can easily derive from the above article that whereas it is not possible for many people to afford the iPhones or other Apple devices due to their high cost and availability in certain geography, it should not inhibit people from being able to access the look and feel and the experience of using a high-end Apple device. Through the use of these emulators, one can easily access a virtual Apple device on their Windows desktops in a matter of minutes and free of cost and can easily use iOS apps on their Windows PC. It is also a great tool for the app developers to develop and test their apps in the real OS environment and fine tune them before launching.

Not every person has at their disposal a device on the iOS operating system or the money to buy it. What to do when you need to somehow run a toy or program from this system without the presence of the system itself? The answer is to use an iOS emulator on a PC. In today's article, we'll take a look at as many as seven iOS emulators for Windows.

iPadian 2

Why don't we start the list with iPadian 2, the most popular iOS emulator. With this emulator, users can access the tenth and eleventh versions of iOS. It's worth noting that some of the emulators on this list are intended primarily for use by app developers, but iPadian 2 is aimed at the more casual user who wants to access the apps and games they need from iOS.

Another rather interesting feature of the iPadian 2 is that it completely mimics iOS, which means that you can easily register your Apple ID and start using Apple services without having a branded device. Among other things, this also means that you have access to the App Store. It is worth noting that applications installed from the store through the emulator will also be displayed on your computer, and if you want to run them, the emulator will open.

Pros:

• full imitation of operating systems iOS 10 and iOS 11;
• it is possible to install OTA updates for the system;

Minuses:

• not all applications are available to run and work through the emulator;
• high consumption of system resources when the emulator is running;
• knowledge of English is required.

Air iPhone Emulator

Air iPhone Emulator is a fairly compact program that can emulate the iOS 8 and iOS 9 operating systems. It should be noted right away that the program is distributed free of charge, so absolutely any interested user can try it out. Air iPhone Emulator is definitely for you if you want to get the most authentic iOS experience, because the interface of this program mimics the real iPhone.

The pretty cool features of this emulator include support for real voice calls for messenger apps, the ability to create contacts linked to iCloud, as well as the presence of controls that are present on a real iPhone, i.e. various tapas, swipes and curtains.

Unfortunately, as with the previous emulator on this list, not every application from the App Store can run on the Air iPhone Emulator. Developers need to personally rewrite the code of applications already released for the system so that they can interact with Windows. However, you will have access to the most popular applications on this platform.

Pros:

• iPhone-like user interface, which makes it much easier to use;
• absolutely free program;
• the presence of authentic control using familiar gestures on a smartphone.

Minuses:

• again, only those applications from the App Store that the developers have rewritten to work on Windows will work on the emulator;
• it is not possible to work with iOS 10 and iOS 11 operating systems;
• no Russian localization.

Xamarin TestFlight

The Xamarin TestFlight emulator is primarily designed for iOS software developers. If you are a regular user who just wants to access a particular program on this platform, then you should definitely take a look at the other emulators on the list.

Perhaps the main feature of Xamarin TestFlight is the ability to test the program being developed in real time: you can literally develop your application, and then instantly go to the emulated smartphone and check the things you need. Few software can do this.

Among other things, do not forget that Xamarin TestFlight is constantly maintained by its developer, i.e. updates and fixes are released periodically for the program. You will also definitely be pleased that Xamarin TestFlight is made entirely in Russian.

Pros:

• no paid features, components or ads;
• the presence of the Russian language;
• among the functions you will also find access to the App Store;
• there is support for the latest iOS firmware version.

Minuses:

• designed for software developers;
• paid software;
• Xamarin TestFlight can weigh several gigabytes, so it's definitely not compact.

Appetize.IO

If you just want to get familiar with the standard functionality of the iOS operating system and its user interface, then the Appetize.IO emulator will definitely suit you, which does not even need to be installed on your PC, as it is an online service. Unfortunately, given the nature of Appetize.IO, you won't be able to install third party software and only work with standard apps and features.

Pros:

• the emulator does not need to be installed on the computer;
• accurate transfer of the interface and functionality of the iOS operating system;
• users can embed Appetize.IO into their web resources or application software.

Minuses:

• no Russian localization;
• no access to the App Store;
• all your actions in the Appetize.IO service are not recorded or saved in any way.

smart face

SmartFace is another good development environment for the iOS operating system. The most notable feature of SmartFace is that the user can emulate not only the iPhone, but also the iPad. There is a paid and free version of the program. Using the free version, you will get limited functionality, the presence of ads and the inability to use custom libraries. If you are an ordinary user who wants to see what iOS is like, then you can safely use the free version of the program.

Pros:

• fairly easy to use user interface;
• among the functions there is a hot key for calling the program window;
• the presence of Russian localization for the emulator;
• SmartFace is able to work with the latest versions of iOS.

Minuses:

• there is no possibility to install third-party software;
• a huge amount of RAM must be allocated for SmartFace to work;
• unfortunately, the free version of the program has a thirty-day trial period.

MobiOne Studio

MobiOne Studio is the latest and arguably the simplest of the iOS development environments on this list. The main advantage is the extremely fast installation on Windows. Among other things, you will be pleased that MobiOne Studio is distributed free of charge.

The interface is somewhat similar to the Air iPhone Emulator: when you open MobiOne Studio, you will see a window with a toolbox located on the left and right sides, and an iPhone image in the center. Unfortunately, there is only support for iOS 8 and the developer stopped supporting the project a long time ago, so you should not wait for updates.

Pros:

• incredibly simple interface;
• consumes extremely few system resources during operation;
• MobiOne Studio is quite compact and takes up little disk space;
• despite only supporting iOS 8, you will be able to access almost all the windows and functions of this version of the OS.

Minuses:

• the developer has officially stopped supporting the project and it no longer receives updates;
• the user interface of MobiOne Studio is made only in English;
• there is no possibility to install applications from the App Store;

iPhone Simulator

And we've reached the end of our list. iPhone Simple Emulator is one of the most basic emulators in this article. If you decide to use this program, then know that you will have at your disposal an extremely limited functionality of the iOS 7 operating system. Yes, that's right, only the seventh iteration of this OS is available. Surprisingly, through the iPhone Simple Emulator, you can interact with the App Store and even install programs from there. Among other things, you can use the browser.

Pros:

• quite stylish design, made in the form of an iPhone;
• the emulator consumes extremely few system resources and takes up little disk space;
• many applications can be installed.

Minuses:

• no Russian localization;
• only iOS 7 is available for emulation;
• you won't be able to open settings.

Finally

Unfortunately, on the Internet you can find only a few emulators that can fully emulate a particular iOS operating system. It's also disappointing that on these emulators you can't just go to the store and download the app you want. Let's take a look at Android OS emulators - the situation is completely different there.

So, if you want to use an iOS emulator specifically for applications, then iPadian 2, Air iPhone, iPhone Simple Emulator is your choice. For software developers, all other development environments on this list. Yes, through them you can also get acquainted with the interface and functions of iOS, but if you only need this, use the Appetize.IO online service.

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