Best iOS Emulators for Android

If you are an Android user interested in trying out iOS apps, you will need to get an iOS device or use an iOS emulator for Android.

Although Android has millions of apps available on the Play Store, there are a few that are exclusive to iOS. In such cases, an iOS emulator can be used to test the app on an Android device. This is why we will take a look at some of the best iOS emulators for Android. We can’t really narrow it down to one, so we’ve included five of the best iOS emulators for Android.

Review of Top 4 iOS Emulators for Android

1. Cider Emulator

Developed by six students from Columbia University, the Cider Emulator is a software that allows iOS applications to work within Android.

It is a software architecture that cannot be compared to a virtual machine through which iOS apps would be milled. Instead, the developers have come up with a technique that takes over the libraries and framework of an iOS application and tricks apps into believing that they’re installed on Apple’s XNU kernel, rather than Android’s.

The software is capable of launching iOS apps (iBooks, Overcast, etc.). Cider, however, lacks support for several hardware components (GPS, camera, cellular antennas, Bluetooth, etc.), the absence of which restricts the use of many iOS applications.

But it’s striking to see iOS app icons on a Nexus 7 screen, which launch like traditional Android software. The most impressive thing is that Android content coexists perfectly with iOS applications.

This is an iOS emulator available for free for use on Android and probably the best available online as well. You can use iOS apps smoothly on your device, and there are no random lags or freezes. You can also install iOS applications without any problem. When you uninstall or reinstall an app, there is no data loss, and the emulator is also virus and malware-free. There are no restrictions, and you don’t need to download any iOS launcher.

You can try iOS apps with ease, and it doesn’t require a high-end Android device either. The Cider Emulator also has a user-friendly interface and lets you access Android apps. However, the emulator does not work on all Android devices. To download, search for Cider Emulator from your Android browser or just click on the hyperlinked emulator title. Once installed, you will even be able to set iOS screensaver on your Android smartphone. 

Pros 

• Doesn’t require an iOS launcher
• User-friendly
• You can also make use of other Android apps

Cons 

• Doesn’t work for all Android devices

2. iEMU Emulator

This iOS emulator is available for free for Android that doesn’t require a high-end smartphone to run smoothly. Once again, this tool is safe to use and contains no malware or viruses. It is also compatible with virtually any Android smartphone. The user interface is easy on the eyes and offers good graphics.

It’s a bit of an innovation that hackers like. iEmu is an emulator project capable of running iOS on Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS itself.

This app was designed by Chris Wade, a hacker who distinguished himself in the work of jailbreaking the iPhone. iEMU is based on the open-source QEMU emulator and ultimately aims to run most iPhone and iPad apps.

This can be used as a debugging tool, argues Chris Wade. It even allows security researchers to isolate iOS malware to analyze them in a protected environment.

But before achieving this result, Chris Wade had to tackle the emulation of the processor that equips the iPhone and the iPad, after which it was necessary to do the same for the graphics chip, the USB controllers, the memory, the audio system, the GPS, and the accelerometer, etc.

What we liked about the app is that it is quite small and also allows users to access their Android apps when using the emulator.

There is no data loss when you uninstall the app from your phone. However, you will have to download the app from an external source as it is not available on the Google Play Store.

Pros 

• Can be used with any Android smartphone
• Light application
• Safe to use and contains no malware

Cons

• Not available on the play store
• No PC version

3. Appetize Emulator

This is a bit different compared to the other two on the list. This is not an app, so you won’t have to download and install any app. Appetize iOS emulator for Android is a website that works just as well as an emulator app. To use the emulator on an Android smartphone, you’ll need to launch your favorite browser and head over to its website.

You can then install and try the iOS apps you want. It has good graphics and works very well in browsers like Google Chrome. The best part is that you don’t have to install it on your phone. However, if you have a slow network connection, you may experience some connection issues. Also, you will have to pay a monthly fee for the pro version, which includes several more features.

Appetize.io lets you simulate iOS and Android mobile operating systems directly in your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.). Thanks to this online tool, you will be able to discover what the interface of an iPhone X looks like under iOS 11.4 or even test the new Android interface.

To use the service, first, go to the Appetize.io site. Click on the menu and then the Pricing tab and opt for the free trial (100 minutes/month) by clicking on Sign up.

Enter your email address in the field provided, and click on the Verify email address button. Then go to your email inbox and copy and paste the activation link sent to you into your browser’s address bar to activate your account.

Once connected to the site, click on the Dashboard tab at the top right of the window. Under Standalone, click the launch standalone device link. An image of an iPhone will then appear on your screen, along with a series of buttons. Use these to designate the system you want to discover and the device it will run on.

Pros 

• Runs iOS and Android apps on any device
• It’s available for free (free trial)
• Simple, straightforward, and user-friendly
• You don’t have to download an app

Cons 

• Not designed for playing iOS games

4. All-in-One Emulator

The All In One emulator is yet another great iOS emulator for Android devices. It was developed by an XDA developer member in 2012. Admittedly, the app isn’t as great as Cider or IEMU. However, it does a great job.

The emulator brings you an experience likened to the iOS 6. However, the best thing about the app is you can use Siri on it. Siri has great features that make the iPhone quite expensive. So, why get an expensive iPhone when you can emulate your Android to launch iOS apps.

Apart from Siri, the app also comes with support for some other apps, such as the iOS camera and the music app.

Pros

• Regular updates
• Supports Siri
• Free, malware and virus free
• Lightweight app

Cons

• A lot of in-app ads 

Conclusion

Having an iPhone is not possible for everyone! The iPhone offers some applications that are only available on the iPhone, and many people dream of using these applications. To access these applications, we have introduced you to the best iOS emulator for Android that will let you use apps officially intended for iOS devices that can be run on an Android smartphone. Our overall best iOS emulator app for Android is the Cider Emulator. However, for those who want something they can easily access, then the Appetize.io website is the best for this.

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