Developing and testing iOS apps has long been a pain point for Windows users, but you can easily simulate iOS over Windows in a few steps and without a Mac.
So, if you are an app developer, a UI/UX tester, or just curious about iOS, here is how to simulate iOS on Windows.
Whether through online emulators or renting a macOS environment, we will list a variety of ways you can experience iOS on your Windows PC in a matter of minutes!
Why & How to Simulate iOS on Windows?
Before we get into how to simulate iOS on Windows, let’s discuss why you would need this setup:
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- App Development for iOS – Windows includes iOS beta apps test before uploading to the store.
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- UI/UX Testing – See how your app appears and performs on iOS without having a Mac.
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- iOS-Only Apps – Use iOS-only apps on a Windows PC for your personal/professional use.
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- Budget-Friendly – No expense on top-end Apple hardware.
Luckily, many capable tools allow you how to simulate iOS on Windows and even efficiently develop iOS apps without access to a Mac!
Method 1: Use Online iOS Emulators
Online emulators are the fastest way to test iOS on your Windows machine. They’re cloud-based services that allow you to run iOS apps via a web browser. Here are some of the best options:
Appetize.io: Have the power of a real online emulator that can also be used to test iOS apps.
Xcode Cloud: Enabling remote iOS application testing for developers.
TestFlight: A tool offered by Apple that provides an early look for testers and devs at apps ahead of App Store availability.
You can use these options to instantly test iOS apps on Windows without performing any extra setup. However, they may come with conditions and restrictions such as limited app compatibility.
Method 2: Rent a macOS Environment
If you need more power to achieve the task, you can rent a macOS environment and run it on a Windows PC. Using Rentamac you can access a Mac remotely and run Xcode, iOS simulators, and all other development tools.
How to rent macOS to simulate your iOS app
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- Subscribe to a rental Mac service such as Rentamac.
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- Select a plan that works for you.
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- From your Windows PC, connect to the remote Mac.
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- Start Xcode and run apps in its built-in iOS simulator.
This approach is great for developers who want full access to Apple’s ecosystem but still use Windows.
Method 3: Install a Virtual macOS on Windows
You can also use a virtual machine to run macOS and help you with how to simulate iOS on Windows. It lets you run macOS on a Windows PC, along with Apple’s official iOS simulator.
How to Configure macOS on a Virtual Machine:
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- Get VMware or VirtualBox: These are free software options for using a virtual machine.
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- Download a macOS Image File: You’ll require a macOS installer in the virtual machine.
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- Set Up macOS: Complete the setup process.
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- Run Xcode and Simulate iOS: After installing macOS, you can always open up Xcode and start Simulating an iOS.
This is more technical than the previous methods but it provides an almost native iOS experience without you needing to buy a Mac.
Method 4: Use Cross-Platform Development Tools
You don’t have to use an iOS simulator on Windows to achieve this, either—you can use cross-platform tools that allow you to create and test standalone iOS apps directly from Windows.
Most Popular Cross-Platform Development Tools:
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- Flutter: Develop iOS and Android apps with a Single Codebase
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- React Native: A JavaScript framework designed to build mobile applications for iOS and Android.
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- Xamarin: Microsoft tool for developing iOS apps on Windows.
These programs let you how to simulate iOS on Windows without requiring a Mac for most of the process.
Which Method is Best for You?
| METHODS | USE FOR |
| Online Emulators | Quick testing of iOS apps on Windows |
| Renting MacOS | Full access to Apple’s ecosystem for development |
| Virtual MacOS | Running a complete macOS experience on Windows |
| Cross-Platforms Tools | Developing iOS apps without needing macOS |
Each has pros and cons, but the best one for you will depend on your needs.
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- If you only need to test iOS apps, online emulators are the quickest solution.
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- If you require full iOS development tools, using a rented macOS system is your ideal option.
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- If you want a DIY style to this, setting up a virtual macOS is the way to go.
Conclusion: How To Simulate iOS on Windows in Minutes!
Now that you are aware of how to simulate iOS on Windows, you can begin iOS development and testing without being restricted anymore.
Emulators, virtual machines, online macOS rental — All these configurations are great, and all are unique in their application.
Play around with the tools to see what works for your workflow and optimize your app-making process without the upfront cost of expensive Apple hardware.
Do not wait! With Rent a Mac, start simulating iOS on Windows now and take your iOS development experience to the next level.
FAQs: How To Simulate iOS on Windows
1. Can I execute iOS apps on Windows?
Yes! You can run iOS apps on Windows using emulators online or through a virtual macOS setup, and by renting macOS environments.
2. How to Simulate iOS on Windows Easily?
The simplest method is to use online emulators such as Appetize.io, which lets you simulate iOS on the fly without installation.
3. Do I need a Mac to do iOS development?
Not necessarily. You could rent macOS online, you could use VMs or cross-platform solutions like Flutter and React Native.
4. How to Test iOS Apps on Windows?
You can test iOS apps on Windows via online emulators, renting macOS, or using an iOS simulator via a virtual machine.
5. Can I publish an iOS app from Windows?
You would need to run Xcode to publish on the App Store, so you would need access to macOS (either through a rented Mac or a virtual setup) to do this.