The walls dividing operating systems are coming down thanks to emulation. You can now mimic the functionality of third-party OSes. However, Apple’s strict privacy guidelines still create limitations. While gaming console emulators are tolerated, running Android virtual machines on an iOS device is still taboo. You’re typically stuck with a slow VM or a sketchy browser.
That said, it’s not impossible. With the right tools and guidance, you can launch Android-only apps on your iPhone (without damaging it). Here’s everything you need to know.
Is There an Android Emulator for iOS?
Apple’s restrictions on JIT compilations are the biggest hurdle to Android emulation. JIT is essential for translating ARM or x86 instructions from the Android system to commands that the host iPhone can execute. However, emulation is still possible. Jailbreak your device to bypass these restrictions and enable JIT access for third-party apps.
What Is the Best Android Emulator for iPhone?
If you’re fine jailbreaking your iPhone just so that it can run Android-exclusive apps, here are some emulators to explore. Yes, there are many more options online. However, they’re usually from shady, unverified websites, and downloading them could compromise your privacy.
1. iAndroid
iAndroid is one of the more popular options on this list. It has been around for quite a few years now, plus it’s compatible with a range of iPhone (and even iPad) models. What stood out to me was its versatility. You can use it to launch almost anything from Google Play, including customized Android widgets.
The only downside is the app’s speed. It can run low-resolution apps fine, but mobile games with fast-moving elements might lag a bit. You might like it better on older iPhone models. As long as you’re using a Cydia-compatible, jailbroken device that’s at least running iOS 5, it should work fine.
2. iEMU
iEMU initially launched as a developer tool. App Programmers would use it to modify Android apps for iOS and macOS environments during testing. It supports up to Android AOSP API level 22. You can launch Android-exclusive tools like Core Animation, Quartz Composer, and Android Studio to process and render graphical data.
Just note that iEMU doesn’t support the Google Play Services API. For developers, this means that apps requiring these SDKs for navigation, in-app purchases, and identity verification might malfunction. But if you’re just beta testing UI designs, it shouldn’t be an issue.
3. LambdaTest
LambdaTest isn’t an emulator in the traditional sense. It’s a cloud-based platform used for running Android environments in third-party OSes, including iOS. You can use it to test multiple apps across platforms simultaneously.
One big advantage is that it doesn’t require any changes to your iPhone—it runs entirely through a browser. On the downside, LambdaTest requires a stable internet connection and doesn’t support high-performance apps like games. Also, the free-tier plan seems a bit limited.
4. Dalvik Emulator
If you’re focused on speed, try Dalvik. It’s a reliable, stable emulator that debugs JIT compilations to convert DEX bytecode into native machine code at runtime. As a result, non-iOS apps run with minimal lag. The platform supports a range of modern Android apps, although it best suits older APIs on legacy iOS versions.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need some first-hand knowledge of jailbreaking to maximize Dalvik. The installation process can even seem intimidating to newbies. I suggest practicing on a dummy device in case you accidentally damage your iPhone’s logic board.
5. GBA4iOS
If the only reason you’re looking for Android emulators is to play games, I suggest GBA4iOS instead. It’s a simple tool that lets you play non-iOS games. And the best part is that you can use it without jailbreaking your device. Let’s be real—you probably won’t risk jailbreaking an expensive iPhone that you just got a few months ago.
There are plenty of new game emulators available on iOS. But one of the reasons I still prefer GBA4iOS is that it’s very versatile. You can import ROMs for a sleuth of consoles—you just need to know where to look for them. Just note that running it would require substantial power from your device, so don’t expect to use it for more than a few hours.
As always, do your own research before installing any of these emulators. Whether you’re jailbreaking your iPhone or downloading ROMs from an alternative marketplace, unauthorized modification carries some risk. Remember: Apple devices are meant to run Apple services.