How to run iOS on MacOS

[rlsymonds]

I have noticed that on AppStore on my Mac Mini almost every app is iOS only. What's going on? Can I run iOS versions on Mac? It seems you can run iOS on Windows, so it seems incredible that Apple won't allow it for its own Mac.

Help much appreciated because MacMini is otherwise just right for me.

 

[MevetS]

Hmmm ... very curious.

While there are emulators for macOS and Windows, iOS apps do not run natively on either platform today. However, with 'ARM' Macs, iOS apps will run natively on macOS Big Sur.

Just to be sure, you are opening the Mac App Store, either by selecting it from the Apple menu or by directly launching the App Store app, correct? Clicking a link for an iOS app can take you to App Store Preview page.

 

[rlsymonds]

Hmmm ... very curious.

While there are emulators for macOS and Windows, iOS apps do not run natively on either platform today. However, with 'ARM' Macs, iOS apps will run natively on macOS Big Sur.

Just to be sure, you are opening the Mac App Store, either by selecting it from the Apple menu or by directly launching the App Store app, correct? Clicking a link for an iOS app can take you to App Store Preview page.

Thanks, that's helpful. I was simply clicking links to obtain an app, which must have taken me to the iOS only AppStore. Why have two? And what is iTunes anyway? What does it do?

 

[MevetS]

Thanks, that's helpful. I was simply clicking links to obtain an app, which must have taken me to the iOS only AppStore. Why have two? And what is iTunes anyway? What does it do?

The reason there are two app stores is because currently iOS apps don't run on macOS and macOS apps don't run on iOS. So why show you apps that don't run on the platform you are using? The reason for the preview, what you get when you click on a link on one OS for an app which runs on the other OS, is for discovery. I may be on my Mac, and come across an app I might like that runs on iOS. I can learn about it even if my iOS device isn't available at the moment.

iTunes is the music software that shipped with Macs through Mojave. It was replaced in Catalina with Music, TV, and others. It was used for many things, including backing up iOS devices. You can do a web search to learn more should you be so inclined.

 

[watakoola]

And what is iTunes anyway?

The young kids of today...