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touchHLE

github.com/touchHLE/touchHLE iPhone & iPad Apps Open-source projectOpen source

touchHLE runs a high-level emulation of apps built for early iPhone operating systems.

Visit touchHLE 20 alternatives
github.com/touchHLE/touchHLE
touchHLE homepage screenshot

About touchHLE

touchHLE is an open source, high-level emulator for apps built for early iPhone OS and iOS versions. It targets iPhone, iPod touch and iPad apps for iPhone OS 2.x, iPhone OS 3.x and iOS 4.0.x. Instead of simulating the hardware and running iOS, it replaces iOS with its own implementations of system frameworks such as Foundation, UIKit, OpenGL ES and OpenAL. The project is written in Rust and runs on desktop operating systems and Android. Development began in December 2022 and is carried out largely by volunteers.

Most apps from these iOS versions do not work. The apps that do work are generally games, and support for other kinds of apps is not prioritized. The project keeps a crowdsourced compatibility database and does not accept requests to support specific apps. Official binary releases are provided for x64 Windows, x64 macOS and AArch64 Android. The project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple, and its documentation says to use it only with software obtained legally.

Key features

  • High-level emulation that provides its own implementations of system frameworks
  • Runs iPhone, iPod touch and iPad apps for iPhone OS 2.x, 3.x and iOS 4.0.x
  • Mouse or trackpad input for simulated touch
  • Virtual cursor and button mapping using a game controller
  • Tilt control simulation with a game controller stick or mouse
  • Crowdsourced compatibility database listing which apps work
Best for: People who want to run certain early iPhone OS games on desktop or Android, and who have obtained the software legally.
Good for
  • Open source project with the code available in a public repository
  • Several input options, including touch, game controller and tilt simulation
  • Public compatibility database that anyone can contribute to
Watch out for
  • The vast majority of iOS 2.x, 3.x and 4.x apps do not currently work
  • Support for non-game apps is not prioritized
  • Official binary releases exist only for x64 Windows, x64 macOS and AArch64 Android; other platforms require building from source
  • Support for 64-bit iOS is not planned

touchHLE at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Android, iOS
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
open sourceiosandroidemulator

touchHLE alternatives

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github.com/ChefKissInc/Inferno

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touchHLE FAQ

Does touchHLE run all iOS apps?
No. The vast majority of iOS 2.x, 3.x and 4.x apps do not currently work. The apps that do work are generally games.
Can I request that a specific app be supported?
No. The project states that it does not take requests for specific apps.
Which platforms have official binary releases?
Official binary releases are provided for x64 Windows, x64 macOS and AArch64 Android. Other platforms, such as AArch64 macOS, x64 Linux and AArch64 Linux, need to be built from source.
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Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · How we rank