The iSH project provides a Linux shell environment on iOS for running command-line programs.
iSH Shell
iSH provides a local Linux shell environment on iOS using a user-mode x86 emulator.
About iSH Shell
iSH Shell is a Linux shell environment that runs locally on iOS and iPadOS devices using a user-mode x86 emulator. It includes BusyBox, so users can edit files with tools such as sed and cat and move files between locations. A keyboard addition adds a CTRL key to make navigation easier. The app is free. Donations through patronage are optional and are never required. The homepage also links to older blog posts about pending removal from the App Store (2020) and about JIT and the EU (2024), but it gives no details about either topic.
Key features
- Linux shell environment running locally on iOS devices
- User-mode x86 emulator for running the shell
- Runs on iPad as well as iPhone
- BusyBox tools for editing files with sed and cat
- Keyboard addition with a CTRL key for navigation
Best for: Users who want a Linux command-line environment on an iPhone or iPad.
Good for
- Free to use, with optional donations that are never required
- Runs locally on the device
- Works on both iPhone and iPad
iSH Shell at a glance
- Website
- ish.app
- Category
- Mobile Apps › iPhone & iPad Apps
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- iOS, Linux, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
iSH Shell alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Inferno provides a device emulator project targeting Apple Silicon hardware.
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Open source
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iSH Shell FAQ
Is iSH Shell free?
Yes. The app is listed as free, and the homepage states that donations are optional and will never be required.
Where can iSH be installed?
The homepage lists the App Store, AltStore, and a TestFlight beta. It also links to instructions for building iSH from source.
Does iSH run on iPad?
Yes. The homepage states that iSH runs on iPad and brings a terminal to larger displays.
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