Sometimes you just can’t have the best of both worlds. On that note, there are exclusive iOS apps that you can’t use on your Android devices. All hope may seem lost until the birth of iOS emulating applications came to the scene. Certain apps like games, cameras, and photo editing applications are only usable in Apple mobile devices.
Use iOS apps without breaking the bank.
Let’s face it, buying an Apple smartphone isn’t a smart choice (no pun intended) for many people. Apple puts a hefty price tag on their devices which many folks can’t spend all that cash in one go. Android phones, on the other hand, have several offerings that are budget-friendly. So how can you make use of these iOS exclusive apps? By using an iOS emulator for your Android device.
The advantage that is using an iOS emulator on an Android device.
When you’re using a reliable iOS emulating application on your Android mobile device, then you can keep your spending allowance while still taking advantage of iOS exclusive apps. Take note that there are still some restrictions when using these emulators. Different apps call for varying features and limitations.
What is an iOS Emulator?
Before we head to the list of iOS emulators for you to run iOS apps on your Android device, let’s take a deeper look on these emulating apps. You might be wondering, “What is an iOS emulator?” It’s akin to tricking your Android device that you’re using Apple’s mobile operating software. Think of it as using Linux or Mac OS X on a Windows desktop computer.
Since you’re “tricking” your Android phone or tablet that you’re using an Apple mobile device, you get to install and run iOS exclusive applications and games without additional restrictions. You can also play iOS games without having to worry about going through a lengthy process just to install the app.
Many iOS emulators available for download and installation won’t cost you a single cent. However, you can support the developers by donating to a worthy cause. Also, most of these applications aren’t found on the Google Play Store primarily because they don’t fit quite well with Google’s app submission guidelines. Nonetheless, you can still download them from reliable third-party APK sites. There are also available iOS emulators that you can download from their respective homepages.
The Reasons Why You Should Download and Run iOS Emulators on Your Android Device
There are several reasons why you should start using an iOS emulator for your Android device. Check out a few of those reasons in the list below:
- Availability
Some apps and games are exclusive only to the Apple mobile operating system. iOS devices may seem like they have supreme exclusivity in using these apps. That may be until the dawn of the iOS emulators for Android came to light. If you’re a proud owner of an Android phone and don’t want to switch to an Apple mobile device any time soon, then you can download an iOS emulator for your Android gadget and start using these iOS exclusive apps.
- Budget-Friendly
The famous iPhone and iPad are devices that you don’t exactly call “cheap.” The most updated versions of these Apple gadgets will break banks. Now, there is a section of the Android market that caters to budget-conscious individuals. If you’re a person who always wants to keep their spending allowances in check, then use an iOS emulator on your Android device instead of buying an iPhone or iPad.
It doesn’t mean that buying Apple mobile devices is a bad thing as it still falls under a matter of preference. However, if you want to keep your budget intact while still enjoying iOS exclusive apps then you can download a good iOS emulator for your Android phone or tablet.
- First Pick
Many applications and games land first on the iOS platform before they hit Android phones. If you want to enjoy these iOS exclusive apps first, then you can take advantage of an iOS emulator. Some iOS apps won’t even see the light of the Android day and will forever stay inside the Apple App Store. Download and install an emulator instead if you always want to gain access to these applications.
- Exclusive Themes
Certain iOS emulators emulate the look of the iOS user interface. With that in mind, you can also play around with changing the look of the app with iPhone or iPad exclusive themes.
Considering the Software Compatibility of iOS Emulators for Android
Running apps found on a different mobile operating system is already a challenge. If you think about using iOS exclusive applications on an Android device, then difficulties may rise to new heights. Apps designed for iPhones and iPads have iOS-specific elements and pieces of code for them to function correctly. Think of it as trying to transfuse Type A blood to a person with Type B blood; the process is still possible but the host will receive several complications.
With that in mind, always consider the compatibility of the iOS emulator before you attempt to install it on your Android device. Old versions of Google’s mobile operating system may no longer be compatible with the latest versions of these emulators. For instance, if your device is still running on Android Gingerbread or Jellybean, then the latest update to an iOS emulating application may not work well or it won’t function at all.
If you’re thinking the compatibility of iOS emulators for Android gadgets, there are three elements to consider:
- Hardware
Software developers don’t just think about the program when they’re creating applications. Developers create their apps to work on specific smartphone hardware. For example, the app may not be compatible with devices who can only cater to 2 GB of RAM. There might also be mobile applications that will only work with a specific processor.
- Features
Some apps, even iOS emulators will only work with certain devices. For example, an emulator may work well with modern Samsung smartphones but will have difficulties in functioning well when installed and used on an old Huawei device.
A good example of this notion is the iPhone’s Touch ID fingerprint scanner. This iOS feature only works with an M11 (or above) motion co-processing chip. If there’s an app you’re trying to use requires you to log in with your fingerprint but your smartphone doesn’t have this specific fingerprint scanner, then that feature of the application won’t work.
- Software Compatibility
Just like when you’re looking at hardware compatibility for certain iOS emulators, always check with software compatibility as well. Think of this scenario – if an app requires permission to use other applications on the device but both software versions are incompatible with each other, then that feature or the mobile application itself will be of no use.
- iEMU
iEMU is known as one of the most popular, if not THE most famous iOS emulator for Android smartphones and tablets. It does offer a tall claim but with plenty of good reasons. Use this application to provide you with a virtual iOS environment while using your Android device. It even allows you to install iOS exclusive applications and games with ease.
This iOS emulator is also incredibly lightweight which means it doesn’t eat up a lot of storage space on your device. Run it and you’ll also find that this mobile application won’t require many resources as well. Still, running graphic-intensive games will still cause stress on your mobile device. Also, developers still haven’t perfected that magic formula to run iOS games smoothly on Android devices.
The beauty of installing and running this iOS emulator is its open source profile. Hence, a community of developers and bug fixers actively contribute to making this app better with each day. Sure, there are still a lot of bugs that need buffing out but that’s a common thought for the entire topic of emulation. Use iEMU today and you’ll see why it’s a great piece of mobile software.
Do note that this iOS emulating mobile application isn’t available on the Google Play Store. Instead, download the APK first and navigate to your phone’s file explorer. Install the APK but make sure to allow installations from unknown sources on your device. It’ll take a few seconds to install iEMU on your Android mobile device.
After a successful installation, search it on your app drawer. It’s not named iEMU but Padiod. Now, launch the apps and start installing and using iOS exclusive apps on your Android phone or tablet.
- Cider
Professional developers aren’t the only experts who can make a working iOS emulator for Android devices. Introducing Cider – a mobile platform to run iOS applications on mobile devices. It has similar features with iEMU. On that note, it’s also not available on the Google Play Store. You can download and install the program via an APK. Install the APK file and you can start putting in iOS games and applications on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Unlike iEMU and other iOS emulators, there’s one slight but defining problem to using Cider – this application doesn’t work on all Android devices. Do check the list of compatible devices before attempting to download this APK.
Is it a huge problem? This concern may limit its compatibility and use but it doesn’t mean the app is entirely useless. Cider does support most Android devices, but in the off chance that it doesn’t then, there are still other excellent alternatives out there.
- Appetize
Unlike most iOS emulators for Android, the Appetize iOS Emulator runs on your mobile browser. It works well with JavaScript and HTML 5. Despite its limiting accessibility, it works perfectly with many iOS apps. Run your favorite Apple apps with this browser-based emulator without any hitches.
This iOS emulator is ideal for testing out one or two apps. It’s also the best choice among many emulators because there are no initial downloads involved. This emulator also eliminates the risk of downloading third-party APK files which may otherwise put your device in harm’s way.
Use the Appetize browser app to test or play many iOS apps without installing anything on your Android device. It’s akin to using a scientific calculator on Google in a sense that you’re not downloading anything but it still works fine.
- IOSEmus
Another excellent iOS emulator to try out is iOSEmus. This mobile application is compatible with all Android smartphones and its different versions. Using it works like you’re using an Apple mobile device. The user interface mimics that of an iPhone or iPad. All applications found in iOSEmus are categorized. You don’t even have to fiddle with the different features just to search for a specific app since everything is laid out before you in a simple and straightforward manner.
IOSEmus is like a separate app drawer on your Android device. It even has customizable themes so you can set any design of your choice. iOS apps run flawlessly on this emulator. Do note that to use this app you need a jailbroken device. If you don’t know how to jailbreak your device, don’t attempt to do it without the advice or help of an expert or professional. Also, jailbreaking your Android smartphone may also void its warranty.
If you’re keen on jailbreaking your Android gadget to use iOSEmus, then know you’re in for a treat. It’s a perfect iOS emulator for anyone looking for a simple interface to work with. Even a child can expertly navigate through its available apps.
- All in One iOS Emulator
One member of XDA Developers decided to create an app that helps Android users enjoy the convenience and excitement of using iOS applications. The result of that person’s efforts is the All in One iOS Emulator. While other iOS emulators can only run relatively old iOS versions, you can take advantage of this app to work around the iOS 6 Experience. Hence, you can even take advantage of Siri with this mobile application on your Android device.
Siri is already built into this emulator. All in One Emulator can also run a broad range of iOS applications and games. There are also paid apps which you can try out for free.
Is it the best iOS emulator out there? Far from it as it still has its fair share of quirks and shortcomings. For instance, its user interface is average at best. While it does offer a decent design, the appearance and usability of this application are still solid.
Aside from Siri, you even get to play around with the iOS music app which is already built into this emulator. There’s also the iOS Camera to let you experience the Apple-made camera application on your Android device.
There might only be a few notable iOS emulators for Android devices to take advantage of iOS apps, but the applications listed in this page are among the best of the best. As you’ve reached the end of this post, you should now have a better idea on which iOS emulator to download and install for your Android smartphone or tablet. You may even want to bookmark this page should you need further help down the road.