App developers often use emulators to test iPhone software on the Windows or Mac computers they use for programming.

These emulators are available for multiple platforms.

Check individual software requirements to determine if a particular emulator is compatible with your unit.

Personal perspective of a man photographing colorful street Rue Cremieux with smartphone, Paris, France

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The Official iOS Emulator: Xcode

Fully integrated development environment for iOS.

Free and supported by Apple.

Close as you’ve got the option to get to testing app on iPhone.

XCode iOS emulator

Only works on Mac PCs.

Interface doesn’t support Window tabs.

All options come with a steep learning curve.

Microsoft Visual Studio

Xcode is the best emulator for iOS developers because Apple created it.

Treats Windows stylus input like iOS unit treats Apple pencil.

Requires Windows PC and Mac to use on Windows.

Appetize.io iOS simulator

Xamarin plugin is $99/month.

While Xamarin requires a Mac to fully function, using it on a Windows gear offers some benefits.

you’re free to pinch, swipe, take screenshots, and even use multi-finger touch gestures.

Smartface iOS emulator

Best Web-Based iPhone Emulator: Appetize

No need to install any software.

Works on all operating systems.

Free version is suitable for app testing and validation.

Adobe AIR for Windows 10

Flexible pricing options for professionals and companies.

Requires an internet connection.

No built-in development environment.

Appetize is a web-based iOS simulator.

To use it, you better upload a simulator build of an app.

You must upload it as aZIP fileor .tar.gz file containing the compressed .app bundle.

The free trial allows for one concurrent user and 100 minutes of use per month.

The basic package is for 20 concurrent users and 500 minutes per month.

If you want unlimited users with 2,000 minutes per month, you could buy the premium package.

For companies, the enterprise package offers unlimited usage.

Most User-Friendly iOS Emulator: Smartface

Frequently updated to keep up with operating systems.

Reliable and easy to use.

Some performance loss for CPU-intensive apps.

Requires an Apple unit.

Made for developing iOS apps on PCs, Smartface facilitates seamless cross-platform programming.

You’ll need iTunes for Windows and the Smartface app for iOS.

when you obtain everything set up, you’re free to connect your iOS unit to your system.

Best Makeshift iOS Emulator: Adobe AIR SDK from Harman

Supported by a reputable company.

Frequently updated to reflect changes to iOS.

Emulation isn’t perfect.

Many programmers use it to see what their apps will look like on an iOS unit.