VirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later in virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
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24 alternativesPlay Cover
PlayCover runs iOS apps and games on Apple Silicon Macs, with mouse and keyboard controls described by the project.
About Play Cover
PlayCover is a community fork of the PlayCover project, software that runs iOS apps and games on Apple Silicon Macs. It works by putting applications through a wrapper that imitates an iPad, so apps run natively, and it lets users map custom touch controls to the keyboard and mouse. The project was originally designed to run Genshin Impact but now covers a wide range of applications, though not all games are supported and some may have bugs. It is distributed under the GPLv3 license and can be installed from stable releases, built from source, or installed through a Homebrew cask. PlayCover requires an Apple Silicon Mac with an M-series chip running macOS 12.0 or newer; Intel Macs are not supported.
Key features
- Runs iOS apps and games on Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 12.0 or newer
- Wraps applications to imitate an iPad so they run natively
- Maps custom touch controls to keyboard and mouse input
- Supports WASD, camera movement, left and right clicks and individual keymapping
- Includes controller support
- Installable from stable releases, source builds or a Homebrew cask
Best for: Apple Silicon Mac owners who want to run iOS apps and games with keyboard, mouse or controller controls.
Good for
- Apps run natively by passing through an iPad-imitating wrapper
- Keyboard mapping of touch controls, which the project says alternatives such as Sideloadly do not offer
- Open source under GPLv3, with stable releases and a Homebrew cask
Watch out for
- Only works on Apple Silicon Macs with M-series chips, running macOS 12.0 or newer
- Intel Mac users are directed to alternatives such as Bootcamp or emulators
- Not all games are supported and some may have bugs
Play Cover at a glance
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Mac Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android, iOS, macOS
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Play Cover FAQ
What hardware and macOS version does PlayCover require?
PlayCover can only run on Apple Silicon Macs, meaning devices with M-series systems on a chip such as M1, running macOS 12.0 or newer. Intel Mac users are pointed to alternatives like Bootcamp or emulators.
How does PlayCover run iOS apps?
It puts applications through a wrapper that imitates an iPad, which allows the apps to run natively and perform well.
How can PlayCover be installed?
You can download stable releases, build from source following the documentation, or install through the project's Homebrew tap using the PlayCover cask.
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