iOS is one of the most dominant operating systems out there. Unfortunately, you can only find it on Apple’s mobile devices. But if you have neither an iPhone nor an iPad, what are you expected to do? Your only option is to download an iPhone emulator.
If you don’t know where to start looking for an iOS emulator for PC, try these options:
1. Xamarin
Xamarin is the one emulator that every app developer needs in their toolkit. The cross-platform mobile development instrument has a community of more than a million developers.
Pros
- It can link with native libraries
- Cross-platform application
- Simplified maintenance and updates
- Optimized performance
Cons
- Expensive for enterprise use
- Limited talent pool
- Developing apps requires basic knowledge of native technologies
2. Appetize.io
This iOS emulator for PC is completely free. You can use it to test apps, debug logs, diagnose problems, etc. The emulator is web-based. If you want to use it, you must upload your apps to the Appetize.io website.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- You can switch between various phone models
- Free
- Supports iframe technology
Cons
- Not suitable for iOS games
3. Smartface
This is another iOS emulator for PC that enables cross-platform app development. You need to install iTunes beforehand but that hurdle isn’t particularly difficult to overcome. While the emulator is free, you have the option of paying for it.
If you just want to emulate the iOS environment on your PC, you can probably make do with the free version. But app developers are encouraged to pay for the premium version because it has advanced features that can enhance their projects. It should be noted that Smartface is an android emulator as well.
Pros
- Includes an android emulator
- Free
- You can use it to monitor your iPhone
Cons
- A relatively steep learning curve
- No Bluetooth support
4. Adobe Air
This is more of a developer tool than an emulator. People flock to it because it is a very efficient platform for anyone that wants to know how their app will perform within Apple’s iOS environment. Adobe Air can recreate the iOS interface on your computer.
However, Adobe Air is not perfect. The results you see within the platform do not accurately reflect the performance you will see on a real iOS device.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- For people that need help, it has a lot of documentation
- Flexible deployment
- A strong community of users
Cons
- Doesn’t support desktop Linux
- Somewhat complex for beginners
- Not officially supported by Adobe
5. Ripple
Ripple is popular because it is a Google Chrome extension rather than a traditional emulator. In other words, you don’t have to download an entirely separate program. You can use it to test apps that you want to install on your mobile device. You can also develop new applications.
Pros
- Lightweight. It doesn’t consume that much space
- Easy to use
- You can test apps that you want to download and install on your phone
Cons
- You cannot use it without Google Chrome
6. iPadian
iPadian confuses people because it is a simulator, not an emulator. Individuals that do not understand the difference are always trying to download and install apps on iPadian, which is a mistake because the simulator is designed to mimic the iOS interface on a computer. You cannot use it to install new apps and games.
It sounds restrictive but it appeals to people that want to experience the iOS interface.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Replicates the iOS interface on Windows
- Neat, attractive interface
- It comes with hundreds of apps
Cons
- It doesn’t have a free trial
- You cannot access Apple’s app store
- The apps on the simulator are glitchy
7. Electric Mobile Studio
You can use this emulator, which is based on visual studio, to develop, test, and redesign iOS applications. Because this is a high-end emulator, it is somewhat expensive. But the features are worth it. Also, for a lot of people, $39 is a perfectly reasonable fee.
Pros
- It has a 7-day free trial version
- The interface is free of clutter
- It is compatible with multiple iOS versions
Cons
- Geared towards developers. People that want to play games won’t enjoy it
- You can only develop web-based apps. You can’t use the emulator to create apps for people to download.
8. Corellium
This web-based iOS emulator for PC attracts security researchers that want to simulate iOS devices on a computer. Initially, the platform was only accessible to companies. Eventually, they opened their doors to individual users.
Pros
- Supports enterprise use
- Compatible with security research projects
- Reliable data security
Cons
- Difficult to access
9. X Code
You will be hard-pressed to find a better emulator for developing iOS apps on Windows. It allows user to test their apps on virtual devices. You have a multitude of devices and screen sizes to choose from, not to mention iOS versions. It shows developers what they can expect once their application is installed on a particular iOS device.
Pros
- Provides multiple screen sizes
- Reliable development tools
- Creates virtual devices for application testing purposes
Cons
- You cannot install the app without a source code
10. Remoted iOS Simulator
This program is strictly for app developers. It doesn’t have anything to offer ordinary users. The simulator is unique because it creates a remote connection between windows and Mac devices.
In other words, you need both windows and mac laptops to use the simulator. You also need Visual Studio.
Pros
- You can use it to create iOS and Android apps
- Supports touch screen features
- Easy to set up and navigate
- The hardware requirements are low
Cons
- It requires significant coding skills and an understanding of Visual Studio’s development tools
- You need a Mac computer
- Steep learning curve
Conclusion
If you have ever wondered why anyone would want to emulate iOS on a windows machine, it is because iOS emulators allow developers to create iOS apps on a PC. As you can see, there is no shortage of iOS emulators that will arm you with the tools you need to create iOS apps using a windows machine.